CISC 872 Advanced Program Analysis and Transformation
Preclass Discussion Preparation (PDP) Form - Stage 2

Now, you have hopefully learned how to identify and articulate the different key components of a technical reading. The goal of the stage 2 form is to learn how to rephrase the main message of a reading in a very concise and clear manner.

Reviewer Name:

Summary of the Paper:

Problem Statement:
In one sentence only, state the main problem targeted by the authors. Note that the problem should not be confused with what they pose as an approach or solution. It is a problem posed to be solved. No mention of the approach should be made here.

The Researchers' Proposed Solution:
In 2-3 sentences maximum in your words, rephrase the key insight and the overall proposed solution the researchers put forth for solving the problem stated above.

Authors' Evaluation of the Approach:
In 1 sentence, describe what the authors did to attempt to evaluate the goodness of their solution. Did they perform analytical analysis, experimental studies, implement the technique as part of a tool and perform user studies? Also, indicate what metrics they used to evaluate - time, space, usability, precision of output,...? In 1 sentence, what were their conclusions based on their evaluation?

Paper Review:
Technical Content:
In one (less than 10 sentences) paragraph, give an assessment of the technical merit of this work, with respect to originality, soundness, and overall significance of contribution. Mention any limitations of the solution, and threats to validity of the evaluation of the solution (either as indicated by the authors or as you see it). Even work in a textbook can be reviewed, in this light, as it came from researchers prior to publication in a textbook.

In one (less than 10 sentences) paragraph, mention questions that are unanswered by the paper, or additional studies that could be performed to help strengthen the technical contribution of the paper.

Presentation:
In one paragraph, discuss your views of the clarity, style, organization, and language. Suggest changes that could be done to further improve the understandability of the paper by an audience who are experts in the general area but not in the particular subject.