Peer Review Feedback

A scholar receives and discusses constructive criticism and feedback on their manuscript from a peer reviewer, clarifying points and defending their arguments.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

Sarah (Female)

Thanks for finding the time to chat, James. I just received the peer review feedback on the manuscript, and I wanted to go over some of the points with you.

James (Male)

Of course, Sarah. Happy to help. What's the general gist? Are there any major revisions they're suggesting?

Sarah (Female)

Overall, it's pretty positive, which is a relief. They've raised a few really insightful questions, particularly regarding the methodology section. One reviewer thought our sample size might be perceived as a limitation.

James (Male)

Ah, yes, I anticipated that might come up. Our rationale for the sample size was laid out in the initial proposal. Perhaps we need to reinforce that argument more explicitly in the manuscript itself.

Sarah (Female)

Exactly. I was thinking we could add a paragraph or two directly addressing that. And another point, they suggested clarifying the implications of our findings for policy-making. They felt we were a bit vague there.

James (Male)

That's a fair point. We focused more on the theoretical contributions. We can definitely expand on the practical applications without overstating our claims. We just need to articulate it more clearly.

Sarah (Female)

I agree. So, for the sample size, I'll draft some revised text, and for the policy implications, maybe we can brainstorm a few specific examples that link directly to our data.

James (Male)

Sounds like a solid plan. Is there anything else that caught your eye that we should discuss now?

Sarah (Female)

Not right now. These two seem to be the most substantive. The rest are minor edits, typos, and formatting issues which I can handle fairly easily. Thanks again for your insights!

James (Male)

Anytime, Sarah. Let me know if you want me to take a look at your revisions once you've drafted them. We'll get this manuscript ready for resubmission.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

peer review

A process where experts check and give feedback on academic work before publication. Useful in scholarly discussions to refer to evaluation by colleagues.

manuscript

A written document, like an article or book, prepared for publication. Commonly used in academic contexts to mean a draft paper.

feedback

Comments or advice given to improve something. In academic settings, it often means constructive criticism from reviewers.

revisions

Changes or updates made to a document based on suggestions. Practical for discussing edits in writing or research.

methodology

The methods and techniques used in research or study. Important in academic talks to explain how data was collected.

sample size

The number of people or items studied in research. Key in discussions about study limitations or reliability.

implications

Possible effects or consequences of findings. Useful when discussing how research affects real-world applications like policy.

brainstorm

To generate ideas together in a group. A common verb in collaborative academic or work settings for creative problem-solving.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Thanks for finding the time to chat.

A polite way to thank someone for making time to talk. Useful for starting professional conversations; 'finding the time' is an idiom meaning making an effort to be available.

What's the general gist?

Asking for the main idea or summary. 'Gist' is informal for the essence of something; great for quickly understanding overviews in discussions.

Overall, it's pretty positive, which is a relief.

Summarizing a situation as generally good, with 'which is a relief' adding emotion. The relative clause explains why; useful for giving balanced feedback.

I anticipated that might come up.

Meaning 'I expected that issue to be mentioned.' 'Anticipate' shows foresight; helpful in debates to show preparation.

We can definitely expand on the practical applications without overstating our claims.

Suggesting to add details on real-world uses while avoiding exaggeration. 'Expand on' means to develop more; useful for academic revisions to balance theory and practice.

Sounds like a solid plan.

Agreeing that an idea is good and reliable. 'Solid' means strong; a casual way to approve plans in team discussions.

Let me know if you want me to take a look at your revisions.

Offering help to review changes. 'Take a look' is idiomatic for examining; polite for collaborative work, using conditional 'if' for optionality.