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Writing Comments

Comments should be used to help students understand the strengths and weaknesses of their work, and to make clear how their work has or has not achieved the goals and standards set in the class. There are several ways in which you can make sure your comments are meaningful to students.

  1. Think about the sorts of comments that you find helpful and unhelpful. For example, avoid one word comments such as "good" or "unclear." If you think that something's good or unclear, explain in concrete terms why you think so.
  2. Think about the extent to which you want to comment on each aspect of the assignment. For example, how important are punctuation and spelling? Is it enough to have one or two comments on grammar or syntax, or would more extensive comments be appropriate?
  3. Don't overwhelm the student with comments. Approximately one or two comments per page is enough. Focus on a couple of major points rather than comment on everything.
  4. Write specific comments in the margin and more general comments at the end of the paper. General comments give the students an overall sense of what went right or wrong in their papers and how they might improve their work in the future. Specific comments identify particular parts of the paper that are right or wrong and explain why.
  5. What has been omitted from the paper is as important as what's in the paper. Ask questions to point out something that's missing or to suggest improvements. Try to give the students a good overall sense of how they might improve their work.
  6. Don't comment only on weaknesses. Identify strengths and explain them. This helps students know their progress, and helps them build their skills. Write as many comments on good papers as on bad papers. In addition to commenting on things the student does well, think about how the student might work to improve their work even further.
  7. Write legibly or type your comments.
  8. Don't be sarcastic or make jokes. What seems funny to you may be hurtful and not provide students with the guidance they need for improvement.
  9. Discuss difficult cases with other GSIs or the instructor in charge.
  10. Keep a record of common problems and interesting ideas, and discuss them in class.
  11. Make sure that you have explained each grade without being defensive.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing Comments

  1. What were the strengths in this piece of work? What were the weaknesses? What stands out as memorable or interesting?
  2. Does the work have a clear thesis or main point, either explicit or implicit? Is it clear what point the author is trying to make and why? Are the main points and ideas clear? Are they specific enough? Are they clearly related to the assignment?
  3. Does the author provide sufficient evidence or argumentative support?
  4. Is the writing clear, concise, coherent, and easy and interesting to read? Are the grammar and syntax acceptable? Is the writing style appropriate? Does the author understand all of the words and phrases that he or she is using?
  5. Does the work have a clear, logical structure? Are the transitions clear? Is there one main point per paragraph?
  6. Are the factual claims correct?
  7. Does the author provide the appropriate citations and bibliographical references?

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