Even top students often struggle with writing, especially if they study in programs where writing classes are scarce (such as STEM). Learning how to write papers that are enjoyable to read and earn high grades can take a while. Luckily for you, though, we can help you streamline the process a little. Follow these ten writing tips to turn into an exceptional writer in no time.
#1 Organize your workspace
Don’t underestimate the power of the environment you work in. It should be well-organized and with minimal clutter around. But it’s totally okay to surround yourself with the things you like, such as nice stationary or candles.
The main rule is that you should enjoy being in your workspace. So it might be a smart move to invest in good lighting, a solid desk (even if it’s a cheap one from Ikea), and a comfortable chair. Also, try to avoid doing anything other than school work there. Your brain will come to associate your workspace with studying, and it’ll get easier for you to focus there.
#2 Learn from the best
The most important thing to know about good writers is that they are avid readers first. It’s basically impossible to learn how to communicate your ideas clearly and beautifully in writing unless you immerse yourself in well-written texts. Pick a few professional authors you like and read them as much as possible.
It doesn’t matter if they have published novels or just online blogs. What matters is that you find their writing inspirational. Don’t be afraid that if you read the same authors all the time, your own writing style might not be original. Mimicking someone else’s style when writing from scratch is not that easy.
#3 Write about something you’re passionate about
Sure, students rarely have the freedom to write academic papers about whatever they want. Most have specific topics given and have to stick to them no matter how dull and uninspiring they might be. Still, follow the advice of professional essay writers from an online paper writing service e.g. CustomWritings and try to write about something you’re interested in whenever you can. It is often possible to twist the topic of college essays a little to make it more exciting.
#4 Pick your sources wisely
Research is critical in paper writing. If you choose unreliable sources of questionable quality, your assignment will be the same. Most students discuss the basics of research in English and composition classes, but if in doubt, stick to the basics. Google Scholar, JSTOR, EBSCO, and Scopus are some of the best places to start. A reliable website akin to the CDC or the WHO is fine, too (unless your professor says otherwise).
#5 Take notes while reading
One more helpful paper writing tip is to take notes during your research and while reading the sources. It is much easier to write if you have all the quotations you’re going to use at hand. You can do it in an old-school way or use one of the note-taking apps akin to Evernote (but check customer reviews before you buy anything). What matters is that you have all the information you need for the paper organized and easily accessible.
#6 Start with an outline
Even an expert writer can find it difficult to write without an outline. When you don’t have a clear list of points to follow, it’s easy to deviate from the topic and forget your argument altogether. Sure, outlining can be boring and time-consuming. But the effect it has on the quality of your paper is worth it.
Besides, you can always get help from a writing assistance service if you don’t know how to compose a good outline yet. Custom writing services can also be a good idea if you have an outline but need help with the essay itself. While not free, they are totally affordable.
#7 Your first draft isn’t a complete paper
Don’t think that you are done with the paper once you have finished the last sentence. Yes, your first draft is complete, but the first draft doesn’t equal paper. Unless you want to lose points for writing mechanics and coherence, you’ll have to proofread and rewrite parts of the work a couple of times before you submit it. Once again, you can order assistance from a proofreading company, yet it’s always a better idea to do it yourself.
#8 Be careful with plagiarism
No college in the USA or any other developed country tolerates plagiarism. When you are assigned a paper, you’re expected to write it independently. So if the essay, case study, or movie review is anything but unique, you’re almost guaranteed to face serious consequences.
Quite a few students have tarnished their academic reputations forever because of plagiarism. To avoid the same fate, always run your papers through a plagiarism checker or two. Writing companies often offer free checkers on their websites, but paid ones tend to be more sensitive. They aren’t expensive, so consider getting a subscription.
#9 Don’t neglect editing and proofreading
Once the first draft is done and you’ve run it through a plagiarism checker, it’s time to start the least enjoyable yet necessary part of the paper writing process. Editing and proofreading are hard work that requires focus. If you struggle with it, it might be smart to use a typing assistant, for example, Grammarly. Even the free version can do wonders to the quality of your writing, but the paid one is worth the money too.
#10 Ask someone for feedback
Finally, once you are confident in the quality of your paper, ask a friend or family member to read it and offer their feedback. First, it’s always easier to catch mistakes and flaws in reasoning you might have missed with fresh eyes. Besides, someone close to you knows you well enough to give you honest and personalized suggestions on how to improve your paper. And they want what’s best for you, so it’s safe to trust their judgment.
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