Students are allowed to take risks with their writing because they can revise their drafts until the writers are satisfied with their writing. Although the concern for better grades is foremost in the minds of most students, they develop a positive attitude regarding the appropriateness and correctness of the written word. Every other week, the students are required to come to class with typed drafts, meet in informal groups to read their composition drafts to one another, and to receive feedback. Responders should point out specific words or phrases that caught their attention, then summarize what seems to be the most important idea or feeling communicated in the piece. If time permits, responders may tell what happened to them as they heard the words and show their perceptions of the piece by creating a metaphor for it.
Writers listen to the feedback or take notes.
They use the feedback to revise their drafts. In this Spanish class, the instructor allows students to adapt the Elbow techniques according to the needs of the writers. Students read their drafts aloud while the group members listen, or if they are working in pairs, students will read the draft together. Some students will read through the entire draft once, and then re-read the draft, pausing at particular phrases or sentences. Others exchange drafts which they read silently, then students ask each other questions or write comments and suggestions directly on the draft.