This Element traces the evolution of peer assessment in writing instruction and illustrates how peer assessment can be used to promote the teaching and learning of writing in various sociocultural and educational contexts.

1. Introduction; 2. Conceptual framework of peer assessment in writing classrooms; 3. Peer assessment in the L1 writing context; 4. Peer assessment in the ESL/EFL university writing context; 5. Peer assessment in the EAP and ESP writing context; 6. Peer assessment in the ESL/EFL school writing context; 7. Peer assessment in the non-English foreign language writing context; 8. Moving forward with peer assessment in writing instruction: Possibilities for future dialogue; References.