This resource uses the writing feedback you've been given by instructors, tutors, peers, or even your own evaluation of your writing to guide you to a plan that will improve your writing skills more quickly and in a positive and productive way.

First, it is important to know that the best way to improve your own writing is to read and to write--a lot. It is through the continued practice of both reading and writing that sustained writing improvement happens. But you can speed up writing improvement by also getting feedback on your writing and using writing guides on specific writing topics.  

  1. Prepare yourself for feedback

    Understanding and using feedback requires that you approach the comments with an open mind and a positive attitude. Remember that all feedback is designed to make your writing stronger; it is not a reflection on you as an individual. Keep this thought in mind before you even open your feedback.
  2. Review feedback and focus on primary revisions before then moving to secondary edits

    Review the feedback and get a sense of the patterns you see in the comments. Prioritize areas that need revision first. Once you have accomplished needed revisions, you can then move on to making smaller edits to your writing. Think of revision and editing like organizing your bedroom versus dusting the furniture. When you revise, you move things around and remove or add items so the entire room works better; when you edit, you clean up flaws and imperfections.
    • Primary revisions to accomplish first:

      • Meeting assignment expectations

      • Academic integrity and integrating research

      • Writing structure and development

      • Academic tone and voice

    • Secondary edits to accomplish after making needed revisions:

      • Grammar and punctuation

      • Formatting

  3. Use writing guides to help apply feedback and revisions

    After reviewing and prioritizing the writing feedback, use writing guides associated with each writing issue to help you to accelerate your revisions and writing improvements.  Below are examples of specific issues your instructors or tutors might mention in their comments.
  4. Remember that writing improvement and revision is a process

    Revising your writing and writing improvement in general is a process and it is perfectly normal to go through several revisions of your writing. Through feedback, writing guides, and revision, you are becoming a stronger and more effective writer!  
  5. Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Revise, revise, revise.

    The more you read and write, the better writer you will naturally become. Accelerate your writing improvement by getting feedback and using writing guides.