Students go to college to study the topic that they are passionate about. However, many additional subjects and tasks await them there. So it’s not only about their interests but also about many other things.
One of them is writing. No matter what you are studying – biology, math, history and so on – at some point, you’ll be required to write papers, essays and other forms of academic writing. While to some students, this comes naturally, and it’s not an overly complex process, some struggle greatly.
If you feel like you could use some help in the academic writing field, there are always some things that you can do to get better. Here are some tips:
Plan and structure
Before you start writing, you need to outline. Writing when inspiration strikes works for some fiction writers, and even then, it could use some planning.
This way, you’ll know your goals and what you need to do to get there.
Start by researching your topic. This will give you a clear picture of the subject at hand, and it can also provide a guide to various sections of your paper. At this point, you’ll also take a stance on the subject and work on finding information that corroborates that.
Write down all of your sections, subheadings, titles and main points. Then, gather the materials that you’ll need. This will make the writing much easier later.
Tailor to your audience
Once you start writing, you should know who your audience is. If you write a paper that only your professor will read, you should craft your essay to appeal to him. For instance, he won’t need simple definitions and explanations, so that you can leave that out. However, a professor will expect a more formal language than you would normally use with your peers, so use a dictionary and use more subject-specific wording. But, of course, don’t make it too stuffy and technical.
Prepare for writing
Where and how you write matters a lot. Before you start, find a good, peaceful, well-lit space for writing. It could be in the library, the local café shop at your desk. Figure out what kind of environment works for you. Gather all of the things you need – pens, notebooks, post-its, water, snacks, your laptop, books, etc. Constant interruptions will only damage your focus and cause you to make mistakes.
Turn off your phone, turn the TV off and tell people not to bother you. Remove anything that can distract you. Play some music according to your taste, if that’s something that helps you be more efficient.
Use online proofreading and editing tools.
While the Internet can be a distraction at times, sometimes it can be really useful. You can find great tips and even assistance from great tools like these.
Stateofwriting – You’ll need plenty of resources once you start writing. If you want the best place to find them, use this site.
UK writing – Grammar is something we all struggle with sometimes. So it’s good to have helpful guides and articles handy.
Boom essays – Editing is tedious, and since you are doing the writing, it’s hard to notice mistakes. Use these tools instead and turn in a perfect paper.
Academy Advisor– Plagiarism is something that we sometimes do unintentionally, which could harm your grade. Do a quick check by using this guide.
Keep it to-the-point
There is no need to go in circles. Find enough information for you to write concisely yet provide enough information. Repetition and filler paragraphs will only deteriorate your chances of getting a good grade.
Get feedback
Before submitting your paper, ask a friend or an older student who has already written a paper for that professor. They will be able to tell you how good your paper is and if there is anything that you could change or improve.
Practice
An excellent way to always be on top of your writing assignments is to keep practicing and learning. Take a course on writing, write a short academic piece for the college newspaper or create a blog where you’ll share consistently. Reading helps as well.
Conclusion
While academic writing is not a skill everyone has, it’s undoubtedly a skill you could learn. All it takes is some devotion, practice, and preparation. Follow these tips to make sure that your papers are always amazing.
submitted by: Freddie Tubbs is a college adviser and business writer at Essayroo. He also works as a part-time blog writer and editor at Bigassignments and is a contributing author at the Vault and Academized blogs.
