Before turning in any writing assignment, you should try to get some feedback on your drafts. The best way to find out how clear and convincing your essay would be for a likely reader is to test it on classmates or peers. Prof. Walters also strongly encourages students to talk to their professors. Because the professor has a goal in mind for each assignment, no one will be a better resource for a critique than your instructor. Many professors are willing to look at a studentÌs draft before the final draft is due and provide helpful comments.

Although seeking your instructorÌs help outside of class may be a bit daunting, Prof. Walters maintains that students should not be intimidated by asking a professor questions; this shows the instructor that you care about your assignment and are working through the revision process thoroughly.

And finally, don't forget that the tutors in the Writing Center can be a very good resource for feedback on a paper. They can read and help at any stage in the writing process and will often offer many helpful suggestions. In any case, since it is difficult for any writer to anticipate how readers will react to an essay, you are encouraged to seek feedback from readers, whether they are your peers, classmates, family members, instructors, or tutors.