Activity 3.5b: Peer Review — Tension Scene Activity

20–30 minutes

Learning Targets

I can give and receive constructive feedback on narrative writing.

Here's the Context

You've written a tension scene. Now you'll read a classmate's scene and help them strengthen it using the TAG protocol. This is how professional writers and editors work: through careful, thoughtful feedback that lifts everyone's craft.

The TAG Protocol for Tension Scenes

T (Tell)

Tell the writer what worked. Be specific — point to exact moments in the scene. "I felt the tension rise when [specific detail]."

A (Ask)

Ask genuine questions about the story. "What happens to [character] after the resolution?" "What would happen if [complication] was even worse?"

G (Give)

Give one specific, constructive suggestion tied to the tension tools from Lesson 3.4. "I think you could increase the stakes by..." or "The climax might feel more earned if..."

Directions

  1. Read your partner's tension scene carefully — at least twice. The first read is for the story; the second is for craft.
  2. Write your TAG feedback (minimum 150 words total):
    • Tell: 2–3 specific strengths with direct references to the text
    • Ask: 2–3 genuine questions about the story or craft choices
    • Give: 1–2 specific, constructive suggestions
    Minimum 150 words total. This ensures you're giving substantive, thoughtful feedback.
  3. After giving feedback, read the feedback you received. Write a brief response (2–3 sentences): What feedback will you use in your revision? What will you keep as is?

Use These Sentence Frames to Structure Your Responses

I felt the tension rise when you wrote _________________.
The moment that worked best for me was _________________ because _________________.
I'm curious about _________________ — can you tell me more about _________________?
One technique from the lesson that might strengthen this scene is _________________ because _________________.
Based on the feedback I received, I plan to _________________ in my revision because _________________.

No AI Guidance for Peer Feedback

Your feedback should be genuine and human. This activity requires your authentic response to your classmate's work — what moved you, what you noticed, what questions you have. AI-generated feedback doesn't serve your classmate or build our community.

Your voice matters here.

What's Next

After you and your classmate exchange feedback, you'll have the opportunity to revise your tension scene. Use the feedback that resonates with you, stay true to your story's vision, and submit your revision.