Lesson 1:3 – Peer Review of Definitions (Cache memory)

To: Jobina Tamminga, Author 

From: Jenny Zhu, Reviewer

Date: Sept 24, 2019

Subject: Assignment 1:3 – Peer Review of Definitions (Cache memory)

Hi Jobina, 

Thank you for allowing me to peer review your Three Definitions assignment. It is evident that you have a thorough understanding of the topic you chose and that you are able to clearly express your ideas to a non-technical audience. Your explanations have surely piqued my interest in learning about cache memory. I have, to my best ability, provided the following feedback for ameliorating your work.

First Impressions

Upon first glance, your work was easy to understand, and clear. Your conciseness helped keep my interest throughout the whole piece. However, I did find myself wondering more about certain details, which I will elaborate on later. If I were your supervisor, I would ask for some small revisions to be made for a better reader experience. 

Operating Principle

Immediately, I was given a good idea of cache memory through reading the first part of your expanded definition. Referencing to the fact that “there are many varying rules as to which data should be put in cache), I would like to know more about how to program a computer to decide the balance between most recent and most used data- how do we achieve optimal amount of each? 

History 

Including the history of cache memory was a nice touch, as it gives context to the idea. I felt that you could have included more about how it came to be. For example, was it considered by those who first invented computers, or did the first computers only possess main memory? Also, who was the first person to come up with implementing cache memory? 

Visual

The image you chose represented your term very well. I noticed you used the image as both a standalone section and as a supplement to other sections of your expanded definition. Perhaps you could take the opportunity in the “Visual” section to elaborate more on the image. If readers were pressed for time, or were experiencing issues with the image, perhaps a short accompanying paragraph would help. One small detail I was curious about was the meaning of DDR, L1, and L2 (- do L3, L4 etc also exist?).

Comparison and Contrast

This technique you used helped strengthen my understanding of cache memory. Comparing it to a concept (main memory) I already knew gave me a reference point. Would it be possible to elaborate on some major advancements that have made cache memory more efficient, and would it become feasible in the future to create a machine running solely on cache memory? 

Overall

As someone without a computer science background reading this, I find all of your jargon well-defined. In fact, I thought more terms could be included to enhance readers’ understanding of the concept. Perhaps tying it to human memory – if appropriate, would allow your audience to have a more memorable experience of the term. The order you presented the sections under the expanded definition flows well. Overall the piece was well laid out, informative and straightforward. 

Conclusion 

I was impressed by your assignment and pleasantly surprised at how much I learned. Your use of the visual left the strongest impression on me in regards to the term because it was a very representative descriptor of the defintion. I appreciate your fantastic piece for its conciseness and I look forward to reading your edited work soon.

Jobina’s original assignment: https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-99a-2019wa/2019/09/23/assignment-1-3-three-definitions/