References to these will provide the student with a clearer idea of how these activities form parts of a whole process. For this reason, many teachers ask their students to keep a file of their writing for the class and to hand in the entire file with each new assignment. This allows the teacher to see previous work, and previous comments, while reading new essays. Identifying problems, or simply labeling them, is not always sufficient to help the student understand why they are problems. Explain, when necessary.
Tone is crucial.
The effect you make with how you say something is part of your message. Consider how your comments sound to the student who reads them. If you make errors in logic, grammar, spelling, or usage, or if you write illegibly or sloppily in your comments, your credibility is damaged. For this reason, some teachers find it helpful to write major comments on a word processor, which allows for editing and revision and which demonstrates to the student the teacher's commitment to thoughtful writing. Diction level is a related consideration.