Commentary That Worksfor the Learning Business Writer

Abstract

"Commentary That Works for the Learning Business Writer" applies findings of recentcomposition research concerning instructor response to student writing to the specific context oflearning business and professional communicators. It points out the errors and counterproducticeoutcomes of ineffective instructor/supervisor response, suggests functional alternatives, andillustrates by means of a novice writer'sorder/inquiry letter how those alternatives may result inan improved written product. Those alternatives involve feedback which includes the followingbasic elements: (1)commentary whose primary purpose is facilitative rather than evaluative; (2)the opportunity for multiple drafting, at least for beginning writers, of almost every writingproject, (3) text-specific diagnostic advice which does not short-circuit the problem-solvingprocess by offering deadening generalizations or substituting an "expert solution" for the novice'sopportunity to learn, and (4) careful emphasis upon the differing priorities of revision and editing.