Final answer:
To avoid a defensive attitude in feedback, be specific, focus on strengths, use questioning to guide self-assessment, and maintain a respectful tone by using tentative language.
Step-by-step explanation:
Providing Constructive Feedback
To avoid a defensive attitude when providing feedback, it is imperative to phrase suggestions carefully and focus on specificity. Detailed comments help to clarify what aspects of the work are effective and what areas require improvement. For example, rather than saying "revise this," explain why a revision is necessary and how to approach it. This can be achieved by focusing on the strengths of the piece, providing clear and specific examples of what works well, and by using language that invites dialogue.
Additionally, using a questioning approach can help. For instance, asking "Does your peer mention the three major appeals and provide sufficient explanations and examples of their use?" encourages critical thinking and self-assessment. Here, specificity is crucial, as it guides the writer to think about particular elements of rhetoric in their writing.
Finally, strive to maintain a respectful and collaborative tone. Suggestions should not be delivered as commands but rather as genuine observations and possible improvement strategies. Using phrases like "It appears to me that..." or "You might consider..." can help create a constructive environment that is conducive to revision and growth.