Reading works of prominent writers we think that writing comes to them as if by magic touch. The right words just jump down onto paper from their heads, elegant sentences are formed instantly by themselves. All the writer has to do is just to write it all down. We regard writing as some innate gift given to the few. That is why most of us are too critical and unfair to ourselves when we judge our own writing. In fact, writing like any skill can be acquired if you are ready to work hard, be persistent and patient. Rayproofread is here to show you how to write better.
Basically we have designed our site for college students, but this information will be helpful for all people seeking advice on writing. Here you can find many useful tips on writing that will help you avoid most common pitfalls and refine your writing style. Our site provides you with a comprehensive guide to writing different types of essays and makes difficult things easy for you.
Our essay guide explains all the intricacies and details of essay writing process from drawing up plans to editing your final draft. Whether you don't know how to start writing the essay or you want to find out how you should complete it with advice on every issue concerning essay writing process.
Our guide will become your reliable companion and consultant in composing various kinds of essays. You will learn how to present your thoughts and ideas on the paper, how to sound authoritative and convincing, in brief how to become a better writer. We have pursued one more goal building up this site - we want you to like writing and view it as a pleasant and thought-stimulating activity.
Writing is like a journey: you start with a blank sheet of paper and what appears on it in the end of the trip depends only on you. You should go through every stage of essay writing process described in this guide to write the essay that:
- - is focused;
- - is logical;
- - is clear;
- - is well-structured;
- - is deeply-argumentative;
- - does not pad;
- - provides illustrative evidence;
- - gives credits to sources.
A good writing is a result of regular practice, training and persistence. Once a famous novelist admitted that writing is about 90 per cent perspiration and 10 per cent inspiration. Do not be discouraged by the severe statistics. Look at it from the other perspective: if you persist, if you practise and work hard, your writing will become better with every effort you make.
To improve your writing follow these 10 tips:
1. Write in the active voice.
Every sound sentence is based on the strong active verb. However in some cases passives are relevant: • To put emphasis on the action rather than the doer of the action. • To sound considerate by not naming the doer of the action. • To illustrate a condition in which the actor is unknown or unimportant. • To sound authoritatively.
2. Cut wordy phrases.
Use concise and simple words instead of long phrases :
| Meaning: | Use |
| explaining something | because, since, why |
| indicating contradiction | although, even, though |
| showing condition | if |
| Showing necessity, obligation | must, should |
| Showing capacity | can |
| Indicating probability, possibility | may, might, can, could |
| Showing precedence | before |
3. Trim off the unnecessary prepositional phrases.
Reduce the usage of prepositional phrases, especially for denoting the idea of possession (Use apostrophe +s). Do not stuff your sentence with too many prepositional phrases; they divert focus from the main subject and the action of a sentence.
4. Avoid expletive patterns such as: It is……; there is / are.
These constructions divert the reader’s attention from the main subject and action of the sentence.
Instead of: It was his generous attitude that impressed me most.
Write: His generous attitude impressed me most.
5. Do not use many vague nouns (especially in prepositional phrase). These nouns result in wordiness and do not add up to a better communication of the idea.
- - factor
- - aspect
- - area
- - situation
- - consideration
- - degree
- - case
Instead of: Strong writing skills are a crucial factor in students' academic success.
Write: Students' academic success depends on strong writing skills.
6. Do not pretend to have a learned air.
Do not cram inflated phrases into your writing to put on airs. Choose a simpler phrase that conveys the same meaning.
7. Avoid noun chains.
Unless the audience is acquainted with a jargon you use, do not use phrases with too many consecutive nouns.
Instead of: Our company has developed an employee performance enhancement program.
Write: Our company has developed a program for enhancing the employee’s performance.
8. Link ideas and paragraphs with transitions.
They help your reader follow the logic of your writing.
Before you use a particular transition in your paper, make sure it matches the logic of the text.
| Meanings of transitions | Examples |
| Adding a new idea | Furthermore, moreover, too, also, in the second place, again, in addition, even more, next, further, last, lastly, finally, besides, and, or, nor, secondly, etc. |
| Expressing time | While, immediately, never, After, later, earlier, always, When, soon, whenever, Meanwhile, sometimes, in the meantime, during, afterwards, now, until now, next, following, then, at length, simultaneously, so far, this time, subsequently, |
| Indicating place | Here, beyond, adjacent to, there, wherever, neighbouring on, nearby, opposite to, above, below |
| Giving examples | to illustrate, as an illustration, to demonstrate, e.g., (for example) specifically, for example, for instance |
| Comparing | in the same way, in like manner, by the same token, likewise, similarly, in a similar fashion |
| Showing contrast | Yet, on the contrary, but, and yet, in contrast, however, nevertheless, notwithstanding, though, nonetheless, on the other hand, otherwise, after all, at the same time |
| Explaining | that is to say, to clarify, in other words, to rephrase it, to explain, to put it another way, i.e., (that is) |
| Showing reason | Because, on account of, since, for that reason |
| Showing consequence | Therefore, thus, consequently, hence, accordingly, as a result |
| Implying purpose | in order that, to that end, to this end, so that, for this purpose |
| Emphasizing | Indeed, undoubtedly, to repeat, in fact, certainly, by all means, surely, without doubt, of course |
| Making conclusions | to summarize, in short, in brief, in summary, to sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, finally. |
9. Control the length of your sentences.
The optimal sentence length comprises 15 -20 words. However, it does not imply you have to produce every sentence according to this standard. It is far better to vary the length and the rhythm of the sentences. Combine long sentences with shorter or even elliptical constructions.
10. Be careful with abbreviations and acronyms.
The universal recommendation for the usage of abbreviations is to write their full form when they are used first in the text. You do not have to provide the explanation for abbreviation if it is well-known. However, don’t use abbreviations that are commonly known as one term and you intend to alter their meaning. Use no more than two or three shortened forms in any writing regardless its overall size.
