How to Write a Short Essay That Stands Above the Rest

“Short” is a relative term. Your English prof might assign a “short essay” that’s 3,500 words, while your history instructor might assign a “short essay” that’s only 500 words. Big difference. A longer paper has its advantages. Sure, you’ll have to write a lot, but a 3,500-word essay means you have more chances to write …

Here Is the Right Way and the Wrong Way to Write Topic Sentences

Great essays can make you feel like you’re on a journey—while others are more like a bad road trip. What makes the difference? Often it’s as simple as the directions you’re given along the way. To steer your readers through the curves and straightaways of your essay, it helps to give them signposts along the …

3 Ways to Focus on Concrete Language in Your Next Essay

Here’s a list of concrete words: Bull float Expansion joint Forms Screed Trowel Rebar Yes, these are literally words related to concrete, but that’s most likely not what your prof means when he tells you to focus on concrete language. Keep in mind, though, that these words could be considered concrete language because they’re very …

6 Prewriting Strategies to Get Your Essay Rolling

I’m a traveler. During my journeys, I have met myriad travelers, each with different ways of traveling. One of the most interesting differences I’ve noticed has been the various ways in which travelers prepare for a trip. Interestingly, it mirrors the different prewriting strategies writers use to prepare for an essay. On one end of the …

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