Here’s your hint…
1. Sue: Your paper is riddled with spelling mistakes and fragments. Your work is simply not acceptable college work.
The writer should not use red. It is more difficult to read and is harsh. The response does not give any constructive criticism or attempt to help Sue to correct her mistakes.
A more appropriate response would be:
Sue,
While evaluating your paper I found many spelling errors and sentence fragments. I have underlined these issues in your first three paragraphs. Please correct the paper and resubmit it to me. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thank You,
Jamie
2. Mr. Smith
I am very upset that your assignment is late again!!! I am very clear in my syllabus regarding late submission. PLEASE READ IT AGAIN!.
The instructor does not provide comments that offer solutions to fix the problem. The writer also does not use proper punctuation and should not use all capital letters. All capital letters, in an online environment, denotes yelling.
A more appropriate response would be:
Mr. Smith,
I did not receive your assignment from yesterday. Did you have problems with the submission? Please contact me if you have questions or problems.
The syllabus has very strict rules regarding late submission. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Thank you,
Jamie
3. Student,
You are STILL having problems with grammar and spelling in your postings. Please review my previous comments and make the necessary corrections to your assignment in order to receive credit for your work.
It is important to address the “Student” by their proper name. The capitalization of the word “still” denotes yelling and is not appropriate in this type of a forum.
A more appropriate response would be:
Joe,
You seem to really be struggling with grammar and spelling. It is important to proofread your post several times before submission. If you spend a few more minutes re-reading your posts I feel that there will be fewer errors.
In order to receive credit for your previous submissions you will need to re-write them with the problems corrected. If you have any questions please let me know.
Thank you,
Jamie
4. HEATHER!
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? HAVEN’T YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO ANYTHING THAT THE CLASS HAS BEEN WORKING ON THIS WEEK? IF YOU KEEP THIS UP, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PASS THE CLASS!
Once again, writing using all capitals denotes yelling. This is not an appropriate response. The tone is too harsh and threats do not motivate students.
A more appropriate response would be:
Heather,
Is everything okay? I have noticed that you have not been responding appropriately to many of the posts this week. It is very important that you stay on task and put forth your best effort. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Thank you,
Jamie
This is an example of what I’ve been spending all of my “free” time working on this week. Cross your fingers that I’ll have time for a real post soon.
OMG, that is funny!