A progress update should help the reader decide whether anything needs attention. Instead of "I am still working on it," write, "The introduction and examples are complete. I am checking the final section and expect to send a draft tomorrow."
Use accurate status words. A draft being written is not complete, and a document awaiting review is not approved. These distinctions matter even in a simple class project.
Make a blocker actionable
Try this practice message: "I have finished the room descriptions. I cannot finalize the schedule because the start time is missing. Could you confirm whether the session begins at nine or ten? Once I have that, I can complete the timetable."
If the expected date changes, state the new estimate and its condition: "If I receive the figures today, I expect to finish on Thursday." Do not present a conditional estimate as an unconditional promise.
Revise an update for two audiences: a partner who knows the details and a tutor who needs brief context. Keep the facts consistent while adjusting the explanation. Read the message from the recipient's perspective and identify any action assigned to them. A good update can be short, but it should not make someone guess whether work is complete, whether a deadline has moved, or whether you are waiting for a reply.