How to Become a Better Essay Writer

How to Become a Better Essay Writer

Misc

Any fourth grader can write an essay about what they did for their summer vacation. Unfortunately, that isn’t going to help you much in college. In order to really excel in college – no matter what you plan on studying – you need to know how to improve your essay writing skills to match the expectations of your professors. That way, your college-level intellect isn’t lost behind the essay skills of an elementary student.

Know What a Thesis Is

A “thesis” is the main argument of your paper. It includes a subject and an opinion, and it usually is at the end of your opening paragraph.

Wrong:

This essay will be about how smoking can be positive for some people.

Right:

For 85 years, smoking has been one of the leading causes of cancer in the U.S. During that time, smokers have lost increasing ground when it comes to where and when they can participate in this very personal activity. Despite the trend away from smoking, there are many organizations that actively fight for the rights of smokers around the world. Even though smoking might be detrimental to health, it is important that smokers’ rights not be infringed upon any further.

Avoid Using “In this essay”

Readers understand that you are going to reveal some topic in this essay, not in any other essay or not in your story on Instagram.

Wrong:

In this essay, I will explain how smoking is really awesome and how everyone should do it.

Right:

Smoking can have positive mental health and addiction recovery properties that deserve consideration in the smoking policy debate.

Beware the Five-Word Sentence

Wrong: This is a five-word sentence. So is this one here. Five word sentences are cool. Still, they get boring quickly.

Right: Instead of using short, choppy sentences, consider changing it up. Create a long, interesting sentence. Then, add in a little one. You are going to have a much more interesting essay, and it will be less likely to sound like a fourth grader wrote it.

Never Use a Hypothetical Question to Start Your Essay

This is a telltale sign of an inexperienced essay writer. Instead, use a hook to get your reader interested in what you’re saying.

Wrong: Do you think smoking is cool? Well, there are a lot of people who think so, too.

Right:

• Quote – Mark Twain said, “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know, because I’ve done it thousands of times.”
• Statistics – In 2010 alone, the federal tax on cigarettes made over $15.5 billion in revenue for the U.S. government.
• Shocking statement –Smokers don’t have the same rights as other citizens, and that has been proven by science and policy.
• Description – Grey’s Smoke Shop sits on the abandoned corner of 5th and Main in Lincoln, Alabama. The store, which has been a colorful haven for senators and blue-collar workers is breathing its last shuddering breath in the light of the newest spate of cigarette tax laws.
• Metaphor – In the world of policy-makers, cigarette lobbyists are the barnacles that every member of congress is trying to scrape off their Italian leather shoe.

Use Transition Words and Phrases

One of the biggest mistakes that novice essay writers make is avoiding transitions in their writing. This is a huge differentiator for your writing, and can make you instantly look like you know what you’re talking about.

Wrong:

The federal tax on cigarettes made over $15.5 billion in 2010. That’s not enough money for the government. They’re planning on making it even harder for smokers to pay for their habit. The Obama Administration recently released a statement that said that the federal tax will increase by $4 per pack over the next four years.

Right:

In 2010 alone, the federal government made over $15.5 billion from cigarette taxes. Still, that doesn’t seem to be enough. The Obama Administration recently made it clear that, over the next five years, purchasing cigarettes will be more expensive than ever. Consequently, the price of a carton of cigarettes will increase by $4 by the year 2018-2019.

By keeping these five simple tricks in mind, you will instantly have a more mature and interesting essay writing style. Remember: you have plenty of unique ideas. You don’t want to hide them behind silly essay-writing mistakes. By the way you can always turn to our essay writers for help