Lesson

Critiquing and reviewing constructively

Give constructive feedback

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Critiquing and reviewing constructively

Constructive critique helps colleagues improve while preserving motivation and respect. It focuses on specific behaviors or outputs, offers concrete suggestions, and balances positives with areas for improvement.

  • Aim to help: give feedback that leads to action.
  • Be specific: cite examples and explain the impact.
  • Be respectful: use neutral language and 'I' statements.

Table

Useful Phrases for Constructive Feedback

Phrase Purpose Example
I appreciate your work on... Start positively and acknowledge effort I appreciate your work on the sales forecast; the data is thorough.
One suggestion is... Offer a specific idea for improvement One suggestion is to add a short executive summary.
It would help if... Propose a concrete change It would help if you labeled the axes on the chart.
Could you consider...? Introduce a recommendation politely Could you consider simplifying the slide layout for clarity?
I noticed that... Point out an observation without blaming I noticed that some figures lack sources.
To improve this, try... Provide an actionable step To improve this, try using bullet points for key findings.
A minor point: Flag a small issue A minor point: the footer date needs updating.
Overall, well done; however... Balance praise with a constructive note Overall, well done; however, the conclusion could include clearer recommendations.

Tip

Key Rule: Be specific and solution-focused

When you critique, identify the issue, explain the impact, and suggest a realistic solution.

  • Identify: point to a concrete example (e.g., a slide, paragraph, or metric).
  • Explain impact: say why it matters for the project or audience.
  • Suggest: propose a clear next step or resource.

Feedback that combines observation + impact + suggestion is most useful.

Example

Examples in context

I appreciate the thorough research; however, could you add a short summary of the main recommendations?

The slide layout is crowded. To improve readability, try using larger headings and fewer bullet points.

I noticed inconsistencies in the sales figures. Please double-check the Q2 numbers and add the source for each dataset.

Great presentation overall. One suggestion: include a one-line takeaway on each slide for faster comprehension.

Tip

Common mistakes when giving feedback

Avoid patterns that reduce the usefulness of your critique. Common universal errors include:

  • Being vague: saying 'needs improvement' without examples.
  • Attacking the person: focusing on intent or character rather than observable behavior.
  • Giving only negative comments without suggestions.
  • Using absolute language: words like 'always' or 'never' that exaggerate.
  • Overloading: listing too many issues at once with no prioritization.
  • Being too indirect or too blunt: either hiding the point or sounding aggressive.

Good feedback is specific, behavior-focused, prioritized, and paired with suggestions.

Quiz

Choose the most constructive comment for unclear graphs in a report:

Hint: Look for specificity, politeness, and actionable advice.

Quiz

Complete: I like the clarity of the introduction; _____, the conclusion needs clearer recommendations.

Hint: Think of a connector that introduces contrast after praise.

Quiz

Which sentence best demonstrates the sandwich method?

Hint: Look for praise + specific suggestion + positive close.

Key Points

Expression

constructive criticism

noun CEFR B2 //kənˈstrʌktɪv ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm//

Feedback aimed at helping someone improve by being specific and actionable.

The manager provided constructive criticism that helped the team improve the presentation.

GrammarPoint

sandwich method

noun CEFR B2 //ˈsænwɪtʃ ˈmɛθəd//

A feedback technique: positive comment, constructive critique, positive close.

Use the sandwich method when reviewing peers to maintain morale.

Vocabulary

actionable

adjective CEFR B2 //ˈækʃənəbl//

Describes feedback or advice that can be acted upon immediately.

Provide actionable steps so the team knows what to change.

Expression

I-statement

noun CEFR B1 //aɪ ˈsteɪtmənt//

A way to express feedback focusing on your observation and feelings (e.g., 'I noticed...' ).

I-statement: 'I noticed the report lacks citations and it confused me.'

Expression

action step

noun CEFR B2 //ˈækʃən stɛp//

A clear, practical next action recommended in feedback.

An action step: 'Please add data sources to the appendix by Friday.'

Vocabulary

neutral language

noun CEFR B2 //ˈnjuːtrəl ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ//

Language that avoids blame and focuses on facts and impact.

Use neutral language: 'The timeline appears optimistic' rather than 'You missed deadlines.'