Chapter 6 Reflection: The Orneriness of Language

You’ve read about the importance of clarity and directness when giving feedback. Now, it’s time to deepen that thinking with Beth L. Hewett’s chapter, The Orneriness of Language taken from her book ‘The Online Writing Conference’ (2010). In this chapter, Hewett explores how even well-meaning feedback can lead to confusion when language is too vague, indirect, or reliant on subtle cues—something we saw in her example about highlighting “An scientific.” Hewett’s book is specifically about conducting asynchronous consultations which is why you are completing this reflection at the end of Chapter 6!

As you read this chapter, consider how Hewett’s warnings about indirect instructional language connect to what you’ve learned about direct vs. indirect speech acts. What specific tips or ideas from this chapter do you hope to apply in your own tutoring practice? How can you offer clear, actionable feedback without being overly prescriptive or heavy-handed?

If you’re turning in a written reflection to your director (yes, for UW), please write a minimum of three paragraphs.