Writing Advice Format

See the format of advice from the Effective Writing Center at UMGC so you know what to expect.

Following is an example of a template used by advisors at University of Maryland Global Campus's Effective Writing Center to give students feedback on their work. Please note the following:

Advisors may not be experts in the topic your paper covers
Advisors will not make any judgment about the grade your paper may receive
Advisors do not copyedit papers; sections of your paper will be used to model the editing you should do
Advisors know only as much about the assignment that you share; please provide an assignment description in the submission form

Main Template

Dear [Student Name],

Congratulations on your progress in writing this assignment for [class].

My name is [so and so], and it’s my pleasure to work with you today.

You are welcome to come to the Effective Writing Center for help at any stage in the writing process, whether you are having trouble understanding an assignment or want feedback on a rough draft. At the EWC, we are attentive readers who help you improve as a writer by explaining and modeling effective writing skills. For more information on our services, visit writing resources.

Advice Overview

Resources to help you revise your writing assignment are hyperlinked within this letter and in the More Resources section at the end. Before reading this advice, please review the writing that you submitted and have a copy handy.

Assignment Requirements

Here the advisor compares the assignment requirements to what the student has submitted. Some advisors use a table in this section that lists (1) each assignment requirement; (2) what the student has provided for that requirement; (3) what is needed, if anything, to fulfill the requirements.

Thesis and Organization

Comments on the overall focus and arrangement, including introductory paragraph and use of headings

Development and Research

Comments on the use of supportive material in the body section’s paragraphs—their development, unity and coherence

Formatting and Citations

Manuscript formatting, documentation, and use of a style sheet (if applicable)

Grammar and Mechanics

Grammar, punctuation, usage

Summary

Good luck! As you continue your work on this project, be sure to complete the following:

This section must include a list of action items for the student.

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