Using Feedback on Your Writing

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How to ask for and use feedback on your papers to improve your writing

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Using Feedback: 

Using Feedback Working with suggestions during the writing process © St. Edward’s University OWL, Spring 2011 http://think.stedwards.edu/academicsuccess/owl

Why ask for feedback?: 

Why ask for feedback? Build confidence by discussing your writing: Once you get into the habit of sharing, talking about, and analyzing your writing, it becomes easier to see the writing objectively. Make “the reader” more concrete . Experiencing how others see, think about, and react to your writing can help you better understand the concept of “the reader.” Allow a fresh pair of eyes on your work. They may see things your own tired eyes do not.

When do I ask for feedback?: 

When do I ask for feedback? To get the most out of feedback, plan ahead . It’s not necessary to complete your paper before asking for feedback— submitting a rough draft or only a section of the paper is usually OK . Occasionally, you may wish to ask for additional feedback on an already-graded paper.

Whom should I ask?: 

Whom should I ask? That depends on the type of feedback you want to receive. For a course-specific look at a single assignment, consider asking your professor . For continued or one-time help that focuses on your development as a writer, or for help with recurring grammar, punctuation, or sentence-structure errors, consult on-campus writing support services . For a review from a less academic perspective, ask peers, colleagues, and family members .

What do I ask for?: 

What do I ask for? That also depends on what type of feedback you want to receive. Unless you are really interested in a reader’s undirected reaction to your paper, be specific . Don’t ask a reviewer to edit or proofread your paper. Editing and proofreading are professional services employed by publishers or self-publishing authors—not students.

What do I do with feedback?: 

What do I do with feedback? Read the feedback with the paper carefully. Try to maintain objectivity by remembering the comments are about the writ ing , not the writ er . Ask for clarification , if necessary. Decide what to keep . Remember that you have complete control over what goes into your paper. Triage revisions . Decide which issues you have time to act on before the paper is due.

5 Ways to Use Feedback for Long-term Improvement: 

5 Ways to Use Feedback for Long-term Improvement Use more than one type of feedback. Be sure you always understand why a reviewer suggests a change. Ask if it’s not clear. Keep marked-up papers from reviewers or notes from face-to-face sessions. Apply them to future papers. Compile feedback into a checklist of errors you tend to make. Use the checklist with all writing assignments. Pay attention to improvement, and notice what type of feedback works best for you.

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Questions? Email the OWL: owl@stedwards.edu Upload a paper to the OWL (SEU New College and grad students only) See this handout: Using Feedback to Improve Writing