11 answers
Jody
Student
Hong Kong
1
Question
Asked
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Improve academic writing
Hi, I am currently a University student studying something related to social sciences. The course mostly requires me to write a lot of academic essays which I have a lot of trouble in. The main problem with my essays relate to being clear and coherent, and critical writing. Although I spoke with my tutors about this problem, I dont think it had any improvement, Im wondering if theres any simple way to improve these things? #writing
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11 answers
Lauren Stoneberg
Strategic Planning
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Jody. When I want to confirm that my writing is coherent, I ask someone who isn't an expert in that area to read it. In your case, this could be a friend who is in a different field of study or hasn't taken the course you're enrolled in. Ask what they understand your perspective to be. If they can understand what you're trying to communicate, you'll be on your way to achieving the clarity you're looking for.
Writing skills are valuable far beyond university, and I think it's wonderful you're focused on improving those skills now. Good luck!
Writing skills are valuable far beyond university, and I think it's wonderful you're focused on improving those skills now. Good luck!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Without knowing what you are doing "Wrong," it is difficult to offer suggestions. The problem with writing is that when you go to read your own writing, you know what it is you are trying to say, so you can't purge that from your head and read it like a first time reader would! But, you need to try to do exactly that!
Try to return to the basics. A strong introductory paragraph, the body paragraphs, and a strong summary/conclusion. Make sure that the "body" paragraphs start with a good sentence which conveys what that paragraph will address, and ends with a transitional sentence leading right into the next paragraph.
Try reading the essay this way: Read the intro paragraph, read ONLY the first and last sentence of each "body" paragraph, and read the final paragraph. Does the reader get a full overview of the essay if they do that?
Do you take full advantage of the grammar checks on MS Word? One thing I learned about my writing is that I use the word "that" too much! Check for overuse and see how many "thats" you can remove. Realize, when you are trying to make a point, a lot of useless filler detracts from the strength of your argument. Ask yourself, what is it you are trying to convey in each paragraph? Now, read each sentence, one at a time, and ask how it adds to your argument, or, if it even does!
I'm not sure how deeply into critical writing you are going. I know when I read, I am looking for proof. If you tell me it is a well-known fact that pecan trees detract from the beauty of a suburban landscape, I'm not going to believe you. That statement had to come from somewhere, and it had best be someone with credibility. Are you citing sources?
Lots of people recommend outlines. They never worked for me, but, they might work for you. Or, conversely, you may try to take a finished writing and turn it into an outline, to see if it makes sense.
Part of this is learning where your shortcomings are and how to get around them. Part of it is learning what the teacher likes. And everything you learn this semester might not work for the next professor. . .
By the way, I thought the way you phrased your question was excellent!
Kim
Try to return to the basics. A strong introductory paragraph, the body paragraphs, and a strong summary/conclusion. Make sure that the "body" paragraphs start with a good sentence which conveys what that paragraph will address, and ends with a transitional sentence leading right into the next paragraph.
Try reading the essay this way: Read the intro paragraph, read ONLY the first and last sentence of each "body" paragraph, and read the final paragraph. Does the reader get a full overview of the essay if they do that?
Do you take full advantage of the grammar checks on MS Word? One thing I learned about my writing is that I use the word "that" too much! Check for overuse and see how many "thats" you can remove. Realize, when you are trying to make a point, a lot of useless filler detracts from the strength of your argument. Ask yourself, what is it you are trying to convey in each paragraph? Now, read each sentence, one at a time, and ask how it adds to your argument, or, if it even does!
I'm not sure how deeply into critical writing you are going. I know when I read, I am looking for proof. If you tell me it is a well-known fact that pecan trees detract from the beauty of a suburban landscape, I'm not going to believe you. That statement had to come from somewhere, and it had best be someone with credibility. Are you citing sources?
Lots of people recommend outlines. They never worked for me, but, they might work for you. Or, conversely, you may try to take a finished writing and turn it into an outline, to see if it makes sense.
Part of this is learning where your shortcomings are and how to get around them. Part of it is learning what the teacher likes. And everything you learn this semester might not work for the next professor. . .
By the way, I thought the way you phrased your question was excellent!
Kim
Capria Davis
Verizon Wireless Solutions Manager
8
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Capria’s Answer
Jody,
One thing that always helps me out when I am writing is to first create a bulletpoint outline. This helps me to organize my thoughts clearly so things flow better. When doing this I think of what it is that I am trying to convey. Once I have my outline finished I then begin to write my paper under the bullet items. Then I can always look back to make sure my supporting points in my paragraph are achieving the goal my bullet points have written out. I will give an example below.
Intro
Attention grabber "The NCAA brings in $418 million off of bowl games annually"
What will I discuss in this paper? *Revenue of NCAA *Student Athletes as a means of Labor *Supply and Demand of Collegiate Sports
Closing Statement: "By the end of this paper I will have...." "This paper will cover..."
One thing that always helps me out when I am writing is to first create a bulletpoint outline. This helps me to organize my thoughts clearly so things flow better. When doing this I think of what it is that I am trying to convey. Once I have my outline finished I then begin to write my paper under the bullet items. Then I can always look back to make sure my supporting points in my paragraph are achieving the goal my bullet points have written out. I will give an example below.
Capria recommends the following next steps:
Jessica Sera Padron
Enrollment Specialist
23
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jessica Sera’s Answer
Hi Jody,
I would not say there is a simple answer to improve academic writing. That being said, there are definitely steps you can take to improve. It is great that you are meeting with tutors to discuss your writing. If you do not think you are seeing improvement, it may be beneficial to have a conversation with the tutor about specific challenges you are facing. I would recommend getting as much feedback as you can, from the people who are directly reading your writing. If your professor allows it, it may help to visit them during their Office Hours or to visit a Writing Center on campus. Another suggestion would be to read academic articles about topics you are writing about. You can do a Google Scholar search on your topic, and take time to read a couple of scholarly articles. Seeing others' examples and their writing styles may help guide you to be clearer and more coherent.
Overall, academic writing is tough to master, and it definitely improves with practice. Best of luck!
Have a conversation with your tutors about difficulties you face when writing
Receive more feedback from your professor, TA, writing center, etc.
Search and read other articles and take note on how they remain clear and coherent.
I would not say there is a simple answer to improve academic writing. That being said, there are definitely steps you can take to improve. It is great that you are meeting with tutors to discuss your writing. If you do not think you are seeing improvement, it may be beneficial to have a conversation with the tutor about specific challenges you are facing. I would recommend getting as much feedback as you can, from the people who are directly reading your writing. If your professor allows it, it may help to visit them during their Office Hours or to visit a Writing Center on campus. Another suggestion would be to read academic articles about topics you are writing about. You can do a Google Scholar search on your topic, and take time to read a couple of scholarly articles. Seeing others' examples and their writing styles may help guide you to be clearer and more coherent.
Overall, academic writing is tough to master, and it definitely improves with practice. Best of luck!
Jessica Sera recommends the following next steps:
Ron Van Sciver
Retired Relationship Manager
5
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Ron’s Answer
Jody, you may want to consider additional classes on writing and literature. You know where you’re experiencing your writing challenges. Speak with your professor so they can identify where you need to focus your writing studies. I hope this helps you.
David Loi
Casino Marketing Executive Host
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
David’s Answer
I believe the most important thing that always helps in writing will be creating bullet-point outline of what you want to included in your writing or essay. This helps you organize the thoughts you have clearly and also will make it flow better when you write. Once you have plan it all out and then outline to finished all the point you want to include in your piece of writing then you begin writing your paper under the bullet-point items. Once you are done or have a beginning you can ask a friend, tutor, service center, or someone to proof-read for you to see if they understand what you are trying to express in your piece or writing and also the technical things like intro, body, conclusion and more as well as use of writing language, grammar, and structures. Don't always turn the paper right in after finish, ask someone to help and see. Then you can compare from your original writing to other people and maybe seek how you can improve or what you are doing wrong.
Judith Quitoriano
Tutoring, mentoring, adjunct prof, pastoral counseling
53
Answers
Pacifica, California
Updated
Judith’s Answer
Academic English writing is perhaps less obscure that writing in the vernacular. ESL courses in the Adult Ed. local programs, as well as Junior Colleges, target students with these challenges to access the help they need in grammar, punctuation and vocabulary skills. ESL professionals in these venues are adept at developing their individual student's needs. Speaking with your ESL teacher in office hours could help them identify and target a program to suit your needs in writing and proof reading academic papers for you to learn how to compensate and become fluent. It is also possible to find a good academic tutor in writing, with many companies who will proof read your work and substantially target skill improvement based on what you personally need.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
It's best to have a central idea of what your writing is wanting to say and who the intended audience is. Get an outline of your goals that cleanly expresses the main idea. Work on getting a rough draft of the work as soon as possible and then work on editing the work and constantly improving it. Get feedback from people about it and see if they clearly understand your intended message.
Diane Jarrett
20
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Diane’s Answer
I once hated writing, but I have grown to love it.
Start with “what do I want to tell my reader?” This is your Main Purpose., which you should include in your introduction. “Why does my reader care? “
For example, the book I read XYZ was amazing. I could relate to the characters, I love history, and the author had a surprise ending.Next, expand.
(Three or more ideas/reasons/paragraphs come next),
1. I felt like I understood the main character. (Now expand in this in the same paragraph). a. The character was shy, b. misunderstood, c. lonely. You can break these into sub-paragraphs also, if you want to talk more about these character traits.
Whenever you write a single paragraph, always return to that first sentence and make sure you remain on topic.
2. The next paragraph you provide the second reason. (The story happened 100 years ago). Now describe that. a. I love a simpler time, b. I love history, c. People were strong.
3. Your third paragraph provides the third reason. (The story had a surprise ending). Now explain why. a. I thought it would end this way. b. Instead, this is how it ended.
Honestly, the key to good writing is an outline. Stick to it!! And practice.
Start with “what do I want to tell my reader?” This is your Main Purpose., which you should include in your introduction. “Why does my reader care? “
For example, the book I read XYZ was amazing. I could relate to the characters, I love history, and the author had a surprise ending.Next, expand.
(Three or more ideas/reasons/paragraphs come next),
1. I felt like I understood the main character. (Now expand in this in the same paragraph). a. The character was shy, b. misunderstood, c. lonely. You can break these into sub-paragraphs also, if you want to talk more about these character traits.
Whenever you write a single paragraph, always return to that first sentence and make sure you remain on topic.
2. The next paragraph you provide the second reason. (The story happened 100 years ago). Now describe that. a. I love a simpler time, b. I love history, c. People were strong.
3. Your third paragraph provides the third reason. (The story had a surprise ending). Now explain why. a. I thought it would end this way. b. Instead, this is how it ended.
Honestly, the key to good writing is an outline. Stick to it!! And practice.
Ron Van Sciver
Retired Relationship Manager
5
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Ron’s Answer
Different applications may be able to help you with improving your writing. One I like to use is Grammarly. There are are many tools within the application beyond just spelling. Depending on if you use the free or subscription versions, you can even get reports on your writing progress. Go to their website and check it our to see if this may be a solution for you. Also, check with your professor to determine if you can use an application like this one.
Kristen Cole
Writer
1
Answer
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Jody, writing in any form can be very challenging. There are some simple things I learned as a journalist to help convey information clearly and concisely, maybe this will help you.
1. What is the one thing – the main message or headline – that you want to convey? Make that the basis for everything that follows.
2. Think about the paragraphs like a staircase. Each paragraph is built on the ideas of the previous paragraph to connect and move forward.
3. Start with an outline. Slot in your headline/main idea, and then list all of the points that support that main idea. Show how each of these points connect back to your headline/main idea.
I hope this helps, and wish you good luck in your studies!
1. What is the one thing – the main message or headline – that you want to convey? Make that the basis for everything that follows.
2. Think about the paragraphs like a staircase. Each paragraph is built on the ideas of the previous paragraph to connect and move forward.
3. Start with an outline. Slot in your headline/main idea, and then list all of the points that support that main idea. Show how each of these points connect back to your headline/main idea.
I hope this helps, and wish you good luck in your studies!