1. Tips for asking effective questions in consultations
1. Before you ask the writer a question, first ask yourself: what’s the goal?
2. Limit the number of questions you ask at a time.
Asking multiple questions at once is confusing. Don’t rush to fill the silence after you ask
a question. You’ve asked the writer to think, so give them time to think.
3. Try to be specific.
For example, instead of asking “What does this say about the novel?” try asking a more
specific question, such as: “What are three ways we can describe the novel?”
4. If you can, end your statements with a question.
This gives the writer the power to decide what shape the consultation will take, and how
they want to work on revising their writing.
5. Always ask if they have questions.
Ask if the writer has questions about the consultation, their paper, what you’ve said, etc.
Make sure you give them the opportunity to practice asking questions about their writing
during the consultation.
Sweetland Peer Writing Center – University of Michigan. Tips by Brooke White and
Christine Modey. Question theory taken from the Graessser-Person-Huber (GPH) Scheme.
 Polish a draft
 Clarify/ confirm information
 Correct surface level errors
Use a low-level question
 Problem-solve
 Have student think critically
 Have the student elaborate
Use a high-level, deep reasoning question