The best students don't write perfect essays — they take feedback seriously. Understanding what your professor is telling you (and why) is the fastest way to improve.
Decoding common feedback comments
"Unclear thesis" or "thesis is too broad"
What it means: Your main claim isn't specific or arguable enough. Reviewers can't tell exactly what you're trying to prove.
How to fix it: Make your thesis a single, specific sentence that stakes a clear position — something someone could reasonably disagree with.
"Needs more evidence" or "where's your source?"
What it means: You made a claim without backing it up. If it's a fact or interpretation that isn't common knowledge, it needs a citation.
How to fix it: Add research. Find a source that supports this claim and cite it properly.
"Show, don't tell" or "too much summary"
What it means: You're explaining what something means instead of letting the evidence speak. Your analysis is too thin.
How to fix it: Quote or cite the evidence, then explain what it reveals. Don't just state conclusions.
"This doesn't support your thesis"
What it means: This paragraph or example is off-topic. It doesn't belong, no matter how well-written.
How to fix it: Delete it, or restructure to connect it to your main argument.
Three types of feedback and how to respond
Praise (comments like "Great point" or "Well-researched")
Note what worked. This is what to do more of in future essays.
Constructive criticism (specific problems with solutions)
These are the highest-value comments. Take them seriously. If you don't understand, ask for clarification.
Copy-editing feedback (grammar, punctuation, spelling)
Quick fixes for the final draft. Less important than argument feedback, but important for a polished submission.
Get personalized feedback from expert editors
Our editors provide detailed comments to help you understand exactly what to improve and why it matters.
Get detailed feedbackHow to implement feedback on your next essay
- Read the comments without defensiveness — they're about the work, not you
- Note the most common feedback (if three comments say "too many sources," that's a pattern)
- For the next essay, consciously address those patterns
- Save all feedback in a file — it's a personal style guide for your writing
If you disagree with feedback
You can respectfully push back, especially if the feedback seems subjective. But don't argue about grammar or citation format — those have standard rules. Argument structure, however, is fair game for discussion.
FAQ
Your professor's preference takes priority in their class. Ask for clarification: "Is there a specific style or approach you prefer?"
Sometimes, but don't expect it. The grade reflects what was submitted. Next essay is where you apply the feedback.
If the feedback points to a specific problem and suggests a fix, it's helpful. If it's just subjective criticism with no reasoning, it's fair to question.