Basic grammar mistakes that you may overlook in your college essay !!
Sitting down to write an essay can be tough to get started. Often when you have the first few lines in place, the process gets smoother to deal with. However, as you get into the flow of writing a long essay, you may easily overlook some common mistakes in your essay. To write is human; to edit, is divine. So when you begin revising and editing your paper, here are some things to focus on. These apply not only to your admissions essay but any papers that you write which will be graded in school.
1. Spelling errors
We will say this once, run a spell check on your document. You may browse through and feel like there is no error, but the moment you hit submit, your proofreading skills multiply to catch several spelling mistakes. It’s not that you don’t know the spelling, but typing/writing fast can mean that you overlook spelling while trying to get your point across. Most word processors have this feature in-built. A few writers swear by changing the font of the document alone. When you do so, your eyes need to focus more to read the text better. As a result, you’ll be reading more carefully and catching any errors.
2. Commas
This is often considered the trickiest of all punctuations. It has several different uses, depends on the context, and can be confusing to understand (also consider the fact that the Oxford comma that we used in this sentence is also heavily debated). There’s no easy way around it than to know the rules and to practice. Everybody struggles with this punctuation; we do too! But using the comma properly can impress the reader. It shows your understanding of grammar rules and ability to recognize different parts of a sentence.
3. Variety
Don’t stick to the same type of voice and sentence structure. Do try out different things. Don’t be afraid to experiment. The previous sentences have a similar structure making them monotonous to read. Whether you throw in diverse vocabulary or convey your point in two words, such sentences can lend a rhythm to your writing. Reading like a bit of a roller coaster is an essay that takes your reader on a journey as you explore different academic concepts. If your essay demand certain criteria be met, ensure that you give such criteria more preference over artistic flair.
4.Vocabulary
Words like “really,” “a lot,” and “very,” can be useful when used sparingly. But using different words and better vocabulary helps your writing stand apart. It narrows down your focus to talk specifically about the topic at hand and stick to facts without venturing into hyperbole or vague generalizations. Answer the what, why, and how of your essay question directly instead of beating around the bush. Vocabulary also includes the use of metaphors or similes and other common phrases. To use better words, you have to learn them and that is only possible by reading more. If you can’t bring yourself to read long novels, start with short articles online that talk about your interests. Practice is key.
It’s time you ace that next essay with these tips in mind. Need help writing your college admission essay and don’t know where to start? Our expert counselors can help you discover your voice and present your story in a manner that is uniquely you. Reach out to us now!!
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