5 Writing Tips to Ace Your Essays
A Student’s Guide to Writing Better
· 1. Ask yourself “why?”
· 2. Use Wikipedia
· 3. Integrate quotes within an analysis
· 4. Have a clear focus
· 5. Read your essay out loud!1. Ask yourself “why?”
Students will sometimes respond to prompts by addressing the “what” but not the “why.” For example, when analyzing the theme of a text, some students are able to correctly identify what theme is, using textual evidence to support their claim. However, a major component to meaningful essays lies in the importance of what is being analyzed. In this case, that refers to a hypothesized reasoning behind the chosen theme. For example, themes of feminism may be explored through the context of the text itself. Is the novel set or written during a period of feminist movements? Is the text revolutionary for its time? Does the text discuss issues that may still be prevalent today? Adding an extra layer to your essay will enhance your writing from simple identification to actual analysis.
2. Use Wikipedia
The age old myth propagated by years of teachers declaring Wikipedia as an unreliable source is coated with a layer of truth. However, the myth arises when looking more thoroughly at the usefulness of Wikipedia. Open up any Wikipedia article and begin reading for information that you are trying to obtain. As you read, notice the superscripts littered throughout. These markers identify a hopefully reliable source referenced at the bottom of the article. The numbers on the superscripts correlate to the numbers in the references section. While it is possible to initially obtain your information from Wikipedia, the true benefit comes from these external references. The reference list provided will allow you access to not only the initial source of information but also a variety of sources that you may add to your own reference list. However, this tool should still be used sparingly. Wikipedia is a site that only offers information. One still requires analysis on top of their information, as indicated in point one of this article.
3. Integrate quotes within an analysis
Rather than simply introducing a quote and unpacking its meaning, focus on integrating the quote into your analysis. For example, when analyzing the significance of the green light in The Great Gatsby, students will sometimes directly quote a line or passage and follow by writing “This quote means…” Instead, use parts of the quote to enhance your analysis. An example of this may be, “Fitzgerald’s use of the green light imagery indicates Gatsby’s desires, as ‘he stretched out his arms,’ reaching for a ‘far away’ hope that is seemingly unobtainable. This is indicated as Gatsby was seen ‘trembling’ as he reached forward, showing uncertainty and worry in ever reaching his goal.”
While this technique limits a student’s word count, it also limits the amount of repetition in the essay. Readers are already aware that Gatsby “stretched out his arms” if you directly quote the line before making your analysis, so repeating the reference when analyzing the text simply makes your point sound redundant. However, your analysis necessitates a level of context, thus turning the situation into an inevitable fate of repetitiveness. Just bypass this issue altogether by integrating your quotes within your analysis.
4. Have a clear focus
When writing, the thesis is the linchpin of the essay. It ought to be broad enough to fit the different angles that you may want to address, but specific enough to prevent tangents that may feel out of place. Writers should prioritize informational clarity. If the essay is jumping from one significant point to another without a logical through line connecting the two thoughts, you may want to revisit your thesis and ask, “is this point a part of my thesis? If so, is it necessary?” Of course, this tip needs to be adjusted depending on the length of the piece being written. If you are writing a two page response, your focus should be specific to one major literary element, critical theory, or other lens of analysis. If you are writing your dissertation, feel free to have your thesis be broad. As long as each piece falls within the scope of your thesis and there is a logical order to your points, a broad thesis is not inherently bad. Be attentive of the purpose of your essay and adjust the thesis to best reach that purpose.
5. Read your essay out loud!
While I do this tip during my writing, it is most important at the end of your writing as a part of your proofreading process. Many times, we will type and delete ideas without fully recognizing what we have actually written. Sure, the red or blue squiggly line underneath your words should indicate a problem is afoot, but sometimes your sentence may be grammatically correct while still being inefficient, problematic, or simply not the best version it could be. This is where reading your writing out loud is incredibly helpful. Being able to hear what your sentences sound like should help you better revise your essays. You are more likely to catch phrasing that does not flow well, poorly written sentences, and sometimes, information that has been discussed previously. If the sentence does not sound right, it will not read well to audiences.
Hopefully these tips aid in boosting your writing grade in whatever English course you may be taking. These tips apply to anyone who is expected to write a professional literary analysis, but may be used with adaptation for other fields as well.
