Writing is never easy, especially when every time you do, it seems like the first time. You may have prior writing experience, but the dynamics of a college paper may change. It is imperative to know your approach and produce a masterpiece article or essay.
However, you can always improve your writing and deliver a good readable piece. Stick to the basics and know about effective writing strategies. With that, here are the dos and don’ts of writing your first college papers.
Dos
Understand the Topic
It’s imperative to know what’s asked of you and the information needed in the essay. Understand the question and determine the facts needed to prove your thesis. Go through the instructions and ensure you fully comprehend the writing assignment.
Check for certain keywords to guide you through the writing process. This way, you can understand the main question and consider how to approach your research. Look for special instructions and ask for clarification when you don’t understand the topic.
Research and Organize
Your essay should create and follow through with an argument while supporting any claims. The reader should conclude by flowing through the presented details. Hence, it is imperative to ensure your work has a basis and argues a particular motion.
That said, it is important to look for sources and research more facts about the topic. You’ll need concrete evidence to back up your academic paper. Take time to go through books, websites, and other sources to gather more information about the article.
Look for authoritative sources and organize your sources into primary, secondary, and alternative references. This way, you can determine the best reference to work with and the evidence to support your claims.
Create a Thesis
Formulate a thesis that provides the reader with a slight idea of what your essay is about. Your thesis should be a single line that’s clear, concise, and straight to the point. Take time to develop a strong thesis statement to summarize your essay and pave a path for the reader. The thesis statement will help you stick to the point, and you can always make improvements as you progress.
Have Another Individual Proofread Your Work
Once you’re done with your essay and everything is on point, proofread your work. It would be best to work with third-party proofreading to uncover mistakes you may have missed. This way, you can identify unforeseen errors and acquire a new perspective of compiling your essay.
Don’ts
Race through the Paper
Don’t rush the writing and take time to organize your work and sources. Racing through the article only creates more mistakes and leaves you with a low-quality piece. Take time to research your facts and create an evidence-backed argument.
Write it at the Last Minute
It is imperative to start earlier and take your time to research and compile your essay. Don’t rush on the submission day to complete all the work within a short period. Starting early allocates you more time to research, create a draft, and proofread your work.
Plagiarise Material
Seek inspiration from other sources but don’t copy-paste the ideas. Derive your understanding and collect the facts. Use the facts to come up with your essay and avoid plagiarizing published pieces. Being creative and original allows you to have a smooth flow of ideas and make it easy to revise your work.
