Does Subject Knowledge Matter?

When students assist others in writing, when is it crucial that the writing consultant knows the subject matter behind the essay assignment? For example, if a writing consultant is reading a paper for a chemistry class, but they themselves do not partake in any science classes, will they be of any help? They will not be able to help the student/ know if the student is misrepresenting information. However, if the writing consultant knows the subject; for example a core essay and they had previously had the class or read the book, and can provide good insight, is this fair? I think a balance here is crucial. A writing consultant probably should try to edit papers similar with his/her major, however, they should refrain from giving their personal opinions. They should help the student get to their own thesis as mentions in Helping Students Write Literary Analyses. An interesting point in Hjorshoj’s book is that often students attempt to “manufacture” writing rather than initiate thought. Writers as a whole need to move away from this idea of a standard format where they merely replace words/thoughts from previous essay formats, to creating a thoughtful unique paper.