"How do you present your writing to your students if you suspect it might not be perfect?"

A student, who is also a teacher, asked me recently.

I write a lot with and for my students. I write most tasks I give them and I am not afraid to share. How?

1. I assume my writing is not perfect nor can it ever be because "perfect" does not exist.
2. I have a lot of IELTS answers that I've rewritten and edited many times, so I know they are good quality. It's easier to share those.
3. I have unedited IELTS answers written to the time limit. When I share those, I make sure to add this piece of information.
4. Sometimes I might say, "I've written this answer to demonstrate how cohesion works, so nevermind the lexical choices." (If this is what I've done.)
5. Sometimes students ask good questions or even point out mistakes. This is great because I make corrections, so the next group gets a "more perfect" answer.

The majority of students treat my writing with respect and ask real questions or provide well-justified criticisms.

There are rare occasions when someone just wants to relish the fact that my answer is not perfect or to argue about my writing choices. But that happens very rarely. And, living the life I do, I've grown a thick skin.

This is how I present my writing to my students regardless of its perfection level. 🦋