To: Glen Kavaliunas
From: Money Dhaliwal
Date: June 9, 2020
Subject: Peer Review of Definitions Assignment
Hi Glen,
A peer review of the initial draft of your definitions for the term balance sheet has been completed. You did a great job and from my own experience with financial accounting, the definitions were thorough without being too overwhelming. The material was fully understandable on the first read-through with sufficient information. Only minor revisions are required to perfect your document.
Purpose
The purpose of your document is clearly defined. However, a parenthetical definition is not provided or there is not a clear distinction between the parenthetical and sentence definition. The first definition is only a sentence definition (paragraph 4).
Audience
The definitions are very easy to follow. One minor change could be made in the first sentence where it mentions the use of balance sheets by accountants and bookkeepers (paragraph 4, sentence 1). The way it is worded could imply that balance sheets are only used by the listed groups, which does not include other parties (such as investors who may or may not be accountants). Indicating that there are also other users beyond the ones mentioned may be more accurate. From the eyes of your intended audience (a client with little knowledge), it seems you provide a solid explanation without much unnecessary info or jargon.
Language
The language used is understandable and has no unexplained jargon. The two terms you included in your glossary were well described and a net positive to your document.
Organization
The expansion techniques are overall well done. The history section is clear but at times redundant, editing to make this more interesting and less repetitive would be helpful. The analysis of parts along with the example provided tied together the concepts with a clear and correctly labeled visual. The fact that a Balance Sheet must be equal on both sides is mentioned twice and becomes repetitive.
Visuals
The visuals included in your definition were great and added to the overall explanation. The first visual of the balance sheet was well done, as mentioned above. The second visual brought attention to the accounting formula and emphasised it’s importance and relevance to a balance sheet in a simple image.
Concluding Comments
I enjoyed reading your document and it would be passable even without the revisions mentioned. However, some little tweaks would help further refine your work. I hope this helps in editing for your final copy. Feel free to reply if you have questions about anything discussed.
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