In high school, it is not uncommon to give and receive feedback from our peers on each other’s work. The feedback improves the quality of our work, through an evaluation from another perspective. The act of giving and receiving feedback effectively will strengthen your own writing abilities.
There’s an art to providing well-constructed and thoughtful criticism that helps a writer improve the work and that recognizes the fine line between personal preference and the objective quality of the work (2020).
According to Melissa Donovan
So how do we effectively give constructive writing critiques?
Here are a few tips you follow the next time you critique someone else’s writing.
1. Get to know their intentions
We all know someone who fishes for compliments, and this is no different. These are usually the same people who write for the sake of their own egos rather than for the craft itself. Figure out whether the person genuinely wishes to improve, or is just looking for a positive remark. Sometimes, they will ask specific questions, expecting an answer they want to hear. Answer those questions, but avoid having to defend your feedback, as this is a sign of a negative critique relationship.
2. Put in the effort
It is important to give sincere feedback. Don’t agree to offer feedback if aren't going to put in the required efforts. Embrace the invitation as an honour, and approach it with respect. Remember, you are aiming to improve the other person’s work.
3. Put away personal biases
You are judging the work, not the individual. Don’t be put off by any external factors, whether it is their writing style, a unique phrasing, or an unfamiliar structure of the piece. Approach the work with an open mind, because it is, after all, a craft of another person’s thought and creativity. Or, you can give a little disclaimer beforehand, explaining your personal tastes so that the other person can understand where you’re coming from.
4. Start positive
Follow the old rule – ‘What went well, and even better if'. Be considerate and compassionate, don’t use any negative words, and always start by emphasizing the good. It is easier for the other person to hear where they have failed after they have heard what they have succeeded with first.
5. Be matter-of-fact
Be clear about what to change and make solid suggestions; what did not work, and ways they can improve. If you spot a weak word, offer a stronger alternative. Check if they understood your comments to avoid misunderstanding. Convey all this in a matter-of-fact tone. You want the idea of feedback to be regular, a normal thing, because you then ensure that the other person actively improves for a better outcome.
6. Check up on the person
Some may feel discouraged to work on their writing upon receiving critiques. Encourage them on their writing journey. If you have already offered feedback, you can frequently inquire about their progress, or offer to read the piece again after it is revised.
Sources:
Alison Green. “how to criticize someone’s work without making it awkward”. 2019. https://www.askamanager.org/2019/08/how-to-criticize-someones-work.html. Accessed 9 April, 2022.
Melissa Donovan. “How to Critique Other Writers’ Work”. 2022. https://www.writingforward.com/writing-tips/how-to-critique. Accessed 9 April, 2022.
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