If you have a criticism, focus on the problematic behavior rather than on evaluation of the person. Your own experiences may help you work with the student. For example, discuss your own strategies for approaching writing. Combining this strategy with a set schedule and specific deadlines is often very helpful. encourage students to establish an award system for themselves as they progress through the writing assignment that is making them anxious. Only later should the student expend time on the stylistic aspects of the document.
Basic writers are likely to be uncomfortable with the form and content of academic writing.
However, their prior experience causes them to see academic writing as a threat instead of a means of communication. They may operate with a set of grammar rules distinct from standard English, and they may not understand how to show relationships among the ideas they are trying to write about. The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors suggests ways that tutors can support these students. Several of the tips are useful for discipline-specific teachers too. Recognize that these students are likely to feel very frustrated with their academic work.