Asking your teacher to review your essay draft before submitting shows initiative and commitment to quality work. Most teachers appreciate students who seek feedback, but timing and approach matter for getting helpful responses.
Ideal Timing: Ask at least one week before the final deadline. Teachers need time to read and respond.
Too Early: Asking when you have just an outline or first paragraph. Complete a full draft first.
Too Late: The night before or day of deadline. Teachers can't provide meaningful feedback that quickly.
Best Practice: Aim to ask 7-10 days before deadline with a complete draft.
Good Example:
"Ms. Johnson, I've finished my draft for the persuasive essay and would really value your feedback before I submit it. Would you be willing to look it over? I know you're busy, so I wanted to ask early. The essay is due next Friday."
Why This Works:
Subject Line: "Request for Draft Feedback - [Assignment Name]"
Email Body:
Dear Mr. Rodriguez,
I've completed my draft for the [assignment name] due on [date] and would greatly appreciate your feedback before I submit the final version. I've attached my current draft for your review.
Specifically, I'm wondering if:
I understand you're busy, so any feedback you have time to provide would be helpful. Please let me know if a week is enough time or if you'd prefer I check back at a different point.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards, [Your Name] [Class Period]
Attachment: Essay_Draft_YourName.docx
For more email tips, see our guide on how to email teachers professionally.
Must Have:
Don't Include:
General (Less Helpful): "Can you tell me if this is good?"
Specific (More Helpful): "I'm concerned about whether my introduction effectively sets up my argument. Could you let me know if the connection between my hook and thesis is clear?"
Specific questions help teachers give targeted, useful feedback.
Some teachers have policies against reviewing drafts. If they decline:
Appropriate Response: "I understand. Are there any resources you'd recommend for getting feedback, like the writing center or peer review?"
Don't:
Many teachers can't review everyone's drafts due to time constraints or fairness concerns.
If Teacher Can't Review:
Read feedback carefully and make thoughtful revisions. Don't ignore advice you requested.
In Person: "Thank you for reviewing my draft, Mr. Thompson. Your feedback about strengthening my topic sentences was really helpful."
Email Follow-Up:
Dear Ms. Lee,
Thank you for taking time to review my essay draft. Your suggestions about improving my thesis and adding more specific evidence really helped strengthen my argument.
I've made the revisions and feel much more confident about my final submission.
I appreciate your help.
Best regards, [Your Name]
First Draft Review: Ask about big-picture issues (thesis, organization, argument).
Second Draft Review: Only if teacher offered and you've made substantial revisions based on first feedback.
Don't repeatedly ask teachers to review the same essay with minor tweaks.
Some teachers prefer group feedback sessions:
Request: "Would you be willing to hold an optional draft workshop where students can get feedback before the deadline?"
This respects teacher's time while helping multiple students.
When reviewing drafts, teachers evaluate:
Address these elements before requesting review.
Checklist:
Don't:
Instead of relying solely on teacher draft reviews:
Develop Self-Editing:
Strong writing skills and essay development take practice and feedback. At LifeWorks, we help students strengthen their writing through targeted support and revision strategies. We also help students develop organizational skills to plan ahead for draft reviews. Get in touch to learn how we can support your academic success.
Will my teacher think I'm not confident in my writing?
No. Seeking feedback shows maturity and commitment to quality work. Teachers respect students who care about improving.
Should I ask all my teachers to review all my drafts?
No. Be selective. Ask for feedback on major essays or when you're genuinely uncertain about something specific. Don't overwhelm teachers with constant review requests.
How much feedback should I expect?
Varies by teacher and their time. Some provide detailed comments, others give high-level suggestions. Appreciate whatever feedback you receive.
What if I disagree with my teacher's feedback?
Consider it carefully first. If you still disagree, you can politely ask for clarification: "Could you help me understand why you think this approach doesn't work?"
Can I ask my teacher to review my college application essays?
Some teachers are willing, especially if they're writing your recommendation. Ask early and be respectful of their time. Many students use college essay support services for this.
Is it cheating to get help on my draft?
No. Asking for feedback on your own writing is part of the revision process. Just don't have someone else rewrite your essay for you.
