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Practice

Ask for feedback on a task by email

You’ve drafted a project update. Before you send it to the team, you want a colleague to read the final paragraph. Give them a question they can answer after one reading.

Model email

Subject: Feedback on the next step in my project update

Hi Sam,

I’ve finished the draft update. The last paragraph ends with “Next, we’ll check the samples.”

Could you read that paragraph and tell me whether the next step is clear? If anything is missing, I’d appreciate an example.

Thanks for taking a look,
Maya

Give your reader a focus

Maya names the document, quotes the line she is unsure about and asks how it reads. Sam can now comment on that line without reviewing the whole update.

A phrase to reuse: “Could you give me some feedback on ___?” Add the part you want someone to review, such as “the last paragraph” or “the instructions in step two.” In everyday English, feedback is usually uncountable. You can ask for some feedback or one suggestion.

Try the feedback quiz

Three questions. Choose an answer to see its explanation. You can try each question again.

1. Which request gives Sam the clearest focus?

Maya wants to know whether someone reading her update will understand what happens next.

Could you let me know what you think of the project?

Try again. This invites comments on the whole project. Sam could answer without reading the paragraph Maya wants to improve.

Could you read the final paragraph and tell me whether the next step is clear?

Correct. Sam knows which part to read and what to look for.

Could you write the final paragraph for me?

Try again. This hands the writing task to Sam. Maya has already drafted the paragraph and wants a reader’s comments.

2. How can Maya clarify a general comment?

Sam replies, “The opening is clear. The final section needs a little more detail.”

Could you give me an example of a detail a reader would need there?

Correct. This invites Sam to identify the missing information so Maya can revise the paragraph.

Thanks. I’ll make the opening longer.

Try again. Sam found the opening clear. The suggestion concerns the final section.

Thanks. How many words should the whole update be?

Try again. A word count won’t tell Maya which information the reader needs. Ask what detail is missing.

3. Which reply confirms the revision?

Sam explains, “You mention the next task, but you don’t say who will do it or when it’s due.”

Thanks. I’ll tell the team the task will be finished this afternoon.

Try again. The task deadline hasn’t been given. Maya can set a time to send her revised draft.

Thanks. Let me know when you’ve added those details.

Try again. Sam reviewed the draft. Maya is the person making the revision.

Thanks. I’ll add who’s responsible and when the task is due, then send you the revised draft this afternoon.

Correct. Maya confirms both changes and tells Sam when to expect the updated document.

Write your own request (optional)

You’ve written a handover note for the next shift. Ask a colleague whether the note makes clear which orders still need packing.

Compare with a model request

Subject: Quick review of my handover note

Hi Lina,

I’ve drafted the note for the next shift. Could you read the order list and tell me whether it’s clear which orders still need packing?

Thanks,
Maya

Read your request from Lina’s point of view. Can she tell what to read and which question to answer?