This passage contains all the same information, but it’s much more difficult to follow. The sentences feel like they’re jumping around to different points rather than building on what came before them.
Cite as you write.
Citations can feel like a chore, but they’re an important part of academic integrity. Adding all your citations after you’ve written your paper sets up a lot of work for yourself when you’ll already be feeling the pressure of a close deadline. Cite your sources as you write.
Some writers don’t like to pause when writing (especially a first draft) to look up citation rules and the specifics of sources. That’s okay, but at least leave a note in your draft with the author’s last name and (if relevant) the page you’re quoting from. You’ll thank yourself when you’re going back through your essay to get your citations in order and the information is already there.
Build your argument from paragraph to paragraph.
One distinguishing feature of a great essay is an argument that builds throughout the body paragraphs. Rather than making the same point but with different examples in each paragraph, or even making three different points that all contribute separately to a thesis, the argument in a great paper progresses over the course of the essay.
Imagine each paragraph adding another layer to your argument as it gradually develops over the course of the paper. Consider how each point builds from the one that came before it and leads into the next, creating a sense of momentum over the course of the essay.
For more information on building an effective argument, please see our guide.
Tips for Revising
Build in time for edits.
If you can remember one big tip for writing, this is it! Good writing is about good rewriting. Writing is an act of discovery; your argument will shift as you write your first draft and determine what you really want to say, regardless of how much you’ve planned in advance. Give yourself enough time for editing and proofreading so that you can fully develop your thoughts and present them in the best way possible.
Revise with fresh eyes.
After finishing your draft, step away from it for 24 hours, then come back to edit it. This time away allows you to re-approach the essay with a fresh perspective; you’ll more easily spot errors and figure out improvements.
Use the x-ray/reverse outline tool.
The x-ray (also called a reverse outline) is a great exercise for checking that your evidence is translated into your main points, that your main points support your thesis, and that your structure reflects the organization of your argument. Once you’ve written a rough draft, try this:
Read your essay. Next to each paragraph, try to summarize the main point of that paragraph with a heading, bullet point, or short sentence. Now, ask yourself:
- Are there multiple points in this paragraph? If so, it should probably be two paragraphs, not one.
- Is the point of this paragraph implied rather than stated? Do I have a topic sentence that makes the point of this paragraph clear to my reader and a concluding sentence that reminds the reader what the main takeaway is?
- Does the evidence in this paragraph prove the point I’ve written down? Is there any evidence that doesn’t seem to fit in this paragraph?
- Do I explain through analysis how this evidence relates to the main point of the paragraph?
For a more advanced version of the x-ray, along with the main point of each paragraph, write down its purpose or contribution to the larger essay (key terms/definitions, counter-argument, explanation of methods, evidence/analysis, etc.).
Tips for Proofreading
Read your essay out loud.
Reading out loud helps you spot errors or awkward moments your eyes might skim over when reading silently.
Change the text to another font size, style, and color.
Your eyes have become accustomed to seeing words in certain places in your essay and might be correcting for typos. Changing how the essay looks can help you catch errors.
Print your essay out.
Our eyes function differently when they’re looking at a screen versus at a piece of paper. If you can, print out your essay and proofread once by hand.
Tips for Time Management
Plan ahead.
You might find it helpful to plan in advance when you’re going to work on your essay and when you want to complete each stage of the writing process. If you don’t completely stick to your schedule, it can still serve as a baseline to track your progress.
Even if you don’t plan out every work session, do plan to start working far ahead of the deadline. Budget ample time for revisions and proofreading. It really makes a difference!
Use the Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management tool that divides your work sessions and helps keep you focused. Francesco Cirello invented the technique and named it after the tomato (‘pomodoro’ in Italian) kitchen timer he used to time his sessions. Here’s how to do it:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Work until the timer goes off, then take a short break (usually 5 minutes).
- After four work sessions (or pomodori), take a longer break (usually 15–30 minutes).
This time management technique helps you stay on task by dividing your work into smaller chunks and building in consistent breaks.
Learn more about how to get the most out of the Pomodoro Technique with our guide.
Minimize distractions.
With your phone buzzing next to you and notifications flashing across your screen, it can be hard to get into the groove of writing. Take advantage of the “do not disturb” feature on your phone, or even put it out of arms length while you’re working.
Do you write best in silence? Find a place to work that’s as quiet as possible. Do you like working with other people to hold you accountable? Go to a library or gather a group to work together. Figure out how you write best, and set yourself up in these circumstances for writing.
If you can, try not to work on your bed. You’ll find yourself falling asleep while working on your essay or thinking about your essay when trying to fall asleep — or both!