How to Properly Respond to Supervisor Feedback: Thesis Revision Response Template and Techniques
How to effectively respond after receiving supervisor revision feedback? This guide provides standard format for thesis revision responses, email communication techniques.
What this page helps you do first
- Revision response format
- Email communication techniques
- Point-by-point response method
First step after receiving supervisor feedback
After receiving supervisor revision feedback, do not rush to revise. First read through all feedback to understand the overall direction, then analyze item by item.
Good practice: first reply to email thanking supervisor for feedback, explain when you will complete revisions, let supervisor know you are taking it seriously.
Standard format for revision responses
- Number each point: List each feedback, number corresponds to revision location
- Sincere attitude: Thank supervisor for patient guidance first
- Explain revisions: For each point explain your understanding and how you will revise
- Mark locations: Mark corresponding locations for supervisor to verify
Email response template
Opening: Thank supervisor for reviewing and providing valuable feedback despite busy schedule.
Body: Respond to each point one by one, explain understanding, revision plan or different viewpoints.
Closing: Explain expected completion time, ask supervisor to review again.
How to handle disagreements
- Supervisor obviously wrong: Raise politely, can say "based on literature verification, my understanding is..." with attached references
- Partially agree with supervisor: Can partially adopt while explaining your reasoning
- Supervisor feedback vague or unclear: Ask promptly, do not guess, wrong direction causes more trouble
How to mark revisions
- Use different color font for revisions (usually red or blue)
- Add brackets at revision location noting "revised per supervisor feedback"
- For important revisions can add margin notes explaining
- When submitting, attach revision explanation listing all revision points
Frequently asked questions
- What if supervisor has not replied for a long time?
- Can send a polite follow-up email asking about progress. Usually one week without reply warrants a reminder email, note to keep tone polite and courteous, do not push.
- What if supervisor feedback conflicts with supervisor research direction?
- If supervisor feedback conflicts with your research design, try communicating your considerations. If unable to persuade, respect supervisor opinion, after all supervisor better understands review standards.
- Can multiple feedback items be combined in one response?
- Yes. If several feedback items are related, can combine responses and explain. But each feedback item needs clear response, do not omit any.