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Taking Feedback and Making Improvements to Writing

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By Lauren Dodd February 21, 2020 - 8:23pm Comments (2)

When feedback is given towards a paper, it can be difficult to know where to begin. When there are many comments addressing weaknesses in my paper, I find it overwhelming to know where to start making the suggested changes to my work. I start to think that I wasn't on the right track with my argument/points in the paper and that I should begin again with a different viewpoint. However; it is important in these instances to take the feedback to not completely change my argument, but to make improvements and propel my paper towards a successful final draft. While feedback can be overwhelming, if broken down into each comment individually, it can be easier to make the necessary changes one small step at a time.

To submit a successful final draft in my upcoming critical review paper, I hope to be able to make the necessary changes within the paper that I have already crafted. The feedback assists with the learning process, even though it can be difficult to receive and use thoughtfully and usefully. I plan to look at the paper with the comments and the paper without, in order to see it from a more clear view. This can take the overwhelming aspect out of it when everything isn't layered on top of one another and unclear. Making the feedack more accessible will assist me with understanding the feedback that was given and how to best proceed forward.

Comments

  • Amber-dale Hudson February 27, 2020 - 9:20am

    I appreciate your post and understand where you are coming from! As someone who struggles with writing I find feedback to be a little defeating and overwhelming as well. I just completed an English course that I found challenging but learned a lot. I think your personal reflection will help you moving forward and keep reminding yourself you're doing the best you can and the feedback is there to help you learn and do better. If we already knew everything there would be no point in being in school. You got this, all the best! 

  • Lauren Dodd March 16, 2020 - 9:40am

    Thank you for your comment! I am glad that you successfully made it through the English course and were able to take away some knowledge that will help you in the future as well. I feel as though all writing opportunities in each course are new lessons as the person marking changes, which can mean very different feedback and grades. All the best as you move forward!