FAQS

Q: Do you start writing your paper with an idea of what you're going to talk about but find you get off track?

Q: Have you received feedback that says your writing needs to be more clear and concise?

If so, you're not alone. This is a common issue for many. Luckily, there are some simple solutions that can lead to big improvements with your writing.

Steps to better writing:

• Make sure you review the rubric and understand what specifically should be included in the assignment. What are rubrics? Why do we use rubrics?
• Create the thesis statement
• Write a very detailed outline and refer back to it often throughout the entire writing process. 
  • The outline should include details and specific examples to illustrate concepts, etc.
  • Identify where you will integrate outside resources to support what you are writing
  • Make sure to use topic sentences in each paragraph.
  • Check after every page or topic to make sure the outline is being followed. This will prevent writing from getting off track. Consider color coding each paragraph of your paper to match each section of your outline to see if too much or too little has been written on each area.
• Check for repetition where you are saying similar things in a different way.
• Check your writing for long sentences and long paragraphs. Is all of that information necessary to get your point across?
• Review these great tips for how to be concise for academic writing
• Submit the draft to Grammarly often to check for everything (clarity, grammar, spelling, mechanics, phrasing, plagiarism, etc.) 
• Submit paper to the Writing Lab and ask specifically for feedback about clarity and conciseness, also staying on track. 

The Writing Lab includes this information and more. Home - Writing Lab - RasGuides at Rasmussen University