What kind of feedback might help a student improve their writing skills?

The correct answer focuses on providing specific comments about topic coherence, which is essential for helping students improve their writing skills. When feedback is tailored to highlight how well the ideas in a piece of writing connect and flow together, students can better understand how to organize their thoughts. This kind of feedback allows them to see which parts of their writing may be unclear or lacking in logical connections, enabling them to make targeted revisions.

By concentrating on topic coherence, students learn the importance of maintaining a clear focus in their writing and how to create transitions that guide the reader through their arguments or narratives. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of writing structure and enhances overall writing quality, making it a valuable tool for skill development.

In contrast, general praise for effort may boost a student's confidence but does not provide the constructive insight necessary for growth. Suggestions for more complex vocabulary can be helpful, but if the basic structure and coherence of the writing are not solid, using sophisticated words may lead to confusion rather than clarity. Encouragement to write faster does not address the critical elements of quality writing and may pressure students to prioritize speed over clarity and coherence.