Below are some general thoughts on writing that one of our graduate students has compiled that I hope you find useful:
Make sure you understand the assignment and related questions. Few writers can recover from a failure to address their topic, an error as fundamental as it is common. If you find a question ambiguous, seek clarification.
Organize and outline your essay, making sure that each segment has an essential part to play. In a well-constructed paper, each segment depends on its predecessor and provides a bridge to what follows. Most papers have only a few major sections: make sure that your reader knows what they are, using devices such as headings.
Make your introduction and conclusion count. The former should set up the topic for your reader, while the latter should pull together the strands of your arguments with an original and attractive twist. The reader should come away satisfied that you have treated the subject in a complete fashion, but also aware of issues that require further reflection.
Use the active voice. Nouns and verbs, not adverbs and adjectives, constitute the skeleton of written work. Avoid the verb “to be” when possible.
Cite accurately. There is no academic sin greater than plagiarism. If you have gotten away with it in the past, it will catch up with you sooner or later in one way or another--guaranteed.
Most arguments have two sides, if not more. Make sure that you do your best to address them all adequately. Good writers combine a clear point of view with fairness to those who might disagree.
Always proofread your work, in addition to using the spellchecker. The computer will neither catch all of your errors nor reveal significant holes in your logic, severe stylistic redundancies, or awkward wording that a careful review can. For many great writers, revision is the most important phase of the writing process. And remember the maxim “less is more.” Try to omit unnecessary words and be concise when at all possible.
If you have not already done so, read Strunk and White, Elements of Style or other manuals such as Follett’s Modern American Usage. Better yet, buy them and refer to them several times.
Finally, use the Writing Center at any stage. The center is staffed with skilled writers and editors who will gladly assist you in improving your papers. The writing center is located at 6171 Helen C. White Hall and on the web at http://www.wisc.edu\writing.
Some additional tidbits:
· Always include page numbers
· Provide a thoughtful title for your paper
· Use a standard 12 point font, 1 inch margins, and double-spacing in the text. Those grading your work are familiar with all the tricks used to lengthen and shorten papers—you are probably insulting them by even trying.
· Commas and periods always go inside of quotation marks.
· Avoid using expressions such as “it is obvious that…” or “it is clear that…” without explanation. It probably is not obvious or clear.
· Any form of citation is acceptable (footnote, endnote, or in-text). In-text citations are probably the easiest and take the following form: (author year, page #), e.g. (Smith 1999, 293). You should always include a complete bibliography at the end of your paper.