Essay writing, old school style
It seems like every time you turn around, a professor assigns you yet another essay. It can seem monotonous at times, and if you’re not the strongest writer, it can be harmful to your grades. However, with these key tips, you can improve your essay writing skills and boost your grade.
1. Avoid Cliches
Cliches are overused phrases that are just that – used too much. These common phrases have been used to the point where they have little value to a reader and have no place in academic writing. Some examples of cliches include: “in the nick of time,” “a diamond in the rough” and “nerves of steel.”
2. Sentence Variety
When every sentence is about the same length, uses the same structure or the same verb, you bore your audience and cause the reading to be monotonous. Make sure your sentences vary in length. You should also use different sentence structure and never repeat the same verb or any word too many times throughout the same essay. A thesaurus is an excellent resource to use in order to aid in creating sentence variety.
3. Use Transitional Words
Transitional words allow your writing to follow better. Some examples include furthermore, however, also, too, likewise, consequently, hence, thus, then, in addition and once. Use words like these to transition between different thoughts in a sentence, in between sentences or in between paragraphs.
4. Avoid Meaningless Content
Every sentence should have value to a reader. This means that you shouldn’t repeat yourself in a different way just to make your word count, and you shouldn’t add sentences that don’t give relevant information or just state the obviously.
5. Proofread
Even professional writers have to proofread their material and usually find a few careless typos. Read your essay out loud, so you can target problematic areas. When you’re reading your material and actually hearing it being read, you will be able to notice subject-verb agreement issues, choppy sentences, typos and etc. easier.
6. Avoid Old Words and Uncommon Words
It’s not uncommon to hear a college student use big words, outdated ones or rare verbiage just to prove his or her intelligence. These words are overkill and cause the exact opposite effect of giving your writing the appearance of being well thought out. They can also confuse readers that are unfamiliar with the meaning of them.
7. Use Resources to Assist You
Thesauruses, dictionaries and grammar websites are your friends. For instance, Course Hero offers you the option to ask a tutor any questions that you may have related to English and essay writing.