Use the “comment” function to offer constructive critique on your classmates’ work. Getting good, constructive comments helps the author revise and become a better writer. But giving good, constructive comments also helps you become a better writer. In fact, you may learn more from the comments you give than from the ones that you get. Once you start examining other people’s writing more closely and identifying their strengths and weaknesses, you’ll be able to apply the lessons to your own writing.
Take the time to write supportive, substantive comments, using the “no sweat” method. Each comment should include:
- One Strength;
- One thing to Work on;
- One thing to Think about.
Be specific. The “one thing to think about” should substantively address the content of the piece. It could be an insight, a question, or a recommendation for further reading.
For all required posts, you must comment on at least 3 of your classmates’ posts. Try to distribute comments equally: if someone already has a couple comments, search for someone who has none. You may comment on work in either section of the class.