Writing constructive negative criticism has got to be one of the most difficult things to do.
The recipients will say, “Just be nice!”
But there’s no nice way to tell someone to add page numbers. There are not-mean ways to do it, but ultimately, if the assignment says page numbers, page numbers have got to be added. It’s a functional operation with little regard for the person on the other end.
People don’t like taking criticism that disregards their person-hood.
But like, it’s a page number. What can I say? ‘I know you feel like you should have gotten an A, but I feel like papers without page numbers lose two points, which puts you at a B.’
How do you have that conversation nicely?
Jokes aside, idk. I try.