Knowing how to effectively write an essay can be crucial when you’re studying or even just presenting your knowledge in everyday life. But sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start, what type of information should be included, or even how to present your paper in style to get noticed! To help you tackle any essay, we’ve put together our top 7 paper helper tips for the best essay possible!
1) Set realistic goals
It’s important that your goals are achievable so that you’re not constantly disappointed. Goals should also be specific so that you can clearly see what needs to be done. Break down large tasks into smaller ones and set clear deadlines, while understanding how many hours per week and how much time each task will take.
2) Organize your thoughts and write a draft
Take a few minutes after your brainstorming session and write down any key ideas or thoughts that came up. Organize them by topic or category and don’t worry about spelling, formatting, etc. This is just a draft of your essay-you’ll have time to refine it later. Once you have everything written down, start organizing your ideas into a coherent structure. Try outlining a plan or using idea mapping software such as iMindMap (Mac) or Inspiration (PC). A structured outline will help organize all of your arguments in one place and make it easier to build each other up when writing your final essay.
3) Edit, edit, and edit again.
Your final draft will never be ready. No matter how much time and effort you put into your paper, it will be best if you revise, edit, and edit again before turning it in. Revising will strengthen your arguments and improve your word choice; editing ensures that spelling errors and repeated sentences do not detract from your message, and careful editing with a keen eye ensures that everything is written correctly and sounds right. Revise, edit, edit again: your final version will never be finished.
4) Get feedback from friends, family, teachers, etc.
Your friends and family are your best bet, as they will probably want to review your work and give good feedback on how it can be improved. Teachers can also be great resources, especially if you have a really good relationship with them, as they will want you to succeed and may give more detailed notes than anyone else. One important note: don’t forget academic honesty.
5) Use word processors/editors.
When it comes to essay writing, there is a fine line between editing and rewriting. Don’t just delete the wrong words or phrases – think of these small edits as a way to make your essay better. In fact, there are many tools available that can help make the editing process easier and more efficient. Word processors, such as Microsoft Word, have a spell-check feature that allows you to correct spelling or grammatical errors on the fly. Similarly, some word processors offer a change-tracking feature that allows you to keep track of every edit you make to your essay. This is especially useful if you plan to share your work with others before submitting it.
6) Proofread multiple times.
Perhaps one of the most obvious tips, but still worth mentioning. It’s incredibly easy to miss typos and grammatical errors when you’re trying to create something in a hurry – take the time to read your work several times and make sure it’s clear and grammatically correct before you turn it in. You don’t need your teacher’s first impression. If you are a bad writer, you would want them to see that you can write great if you have enough time.
7) Use online resources and professional editing services
Many people struggle with grammar and spelling, but checking your work is an essential part of quality work. We highly recommend seeking help from online resources if you’re having trouble, but also check your text with a professional editor before publishing. These services can save you time and ensure that what you publish will be well-received by your audience. Startups usually don’t have the money to edit – free sites like Grammarly are a huge paper help in these situations.
