Essay Writing Hints

Modified: 2020-08-11

• Double Space!
• Please use a 1 inch margin all around.
• Don't use "etc." in a list.
• Don't underline. That makes for more difficult reading. Use italics instead.
• Avoid the use of "this" as much as possible. Substitute a more concrete referent (e.g., "That strategy" or "This approach")
• Think about who you are writing to and stay consistent.
• Think about how you are referring to yourself, too. Don't switch persons from "I" to "We" to "You" inconsistently.
• Avoid the passive voice.
• Write "Internet" not "internet" when you are referring to the global communications network.
• Write "online" not "on-line"
• Don't use bold, bigger fonts, color, or put your essay in a folder.
• Use "since" to indicate time and "because" to indicate cause and effect:
  • Good usage--Since I enrolled in Honors College I have made many more friends.
  • Bad usage--Since I received an F, I'm no longer in Honors College.
  • Good usage--Because I received an F, I'm no longer in Honors College.
• Know the difference between fact and opinion and clearly indicate.
• Use plural nouns to avoid he/she and his/her constructions.
  • For instance: Students should attend classes, otherwise their grades will suffer.
  • See how that is better than: A student should attend class, otherwise his/her grades will suffer.
• Spell check! "think" vs. "believe" "I believe I am tired." AND "I think too much."
• Paginate and use your header function to do so.
• Strive to be neutral, fair, and balanced. This is an essay, not a polemic or a diatribe.
• Watch use of question and answer format
• "both" is usually redundant

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