Out of all the essay writing tips I could give, this one is most important: Eliminate wordiness. The following essay writing tips will help you do just that:
- Eliminate unnecessary, redundant modifiers that aren't needed:
- For example, a dishonest thief (all thieves are dishonest); a terrible tragedy (tragedies are terrible by definition); a joyous celebration (you get the point).
- Get rid of unnecessary categories:
- For example, brown in color (we already know that brown is a color); dull in appearance; a confused state.
- Don't use pairs of words when a single word will do:
- For example, each and every (both words mean about the same thing); I want any and all individuals who cheated to come here (either any or all would suffice).
- Use single words in place of wordy expressions:
- For example, instead of at this point in time, try now. Instead of she exceeds ordinary standards, try she is excellent.
- Delete meaningless intensifiers and hedges. Make sure words like very, often, somehat, perhaps, and others add meaning.
- For example, there is no difference between being skeptical and being somewhat skeptical, very tired and exhausted, and kind of stupid and stupid.
- Don't overuse articles and indefinite pronouns.
- For example, I teach the students math should be I teach students math.
- Cut off endings of sentences.
- For example, I want to reduce the number of F's that I am receiving. Let's fix the broken pipes that leak water. Teachers should respond to questions that students ask.
- Use active verbs instead of nominalizations.
- For example, Instead of I'll take it into consideration, try I'll consider it. Instead of I have chosen W.E. Wapskuller as my nomination for student body president, try I nominate W.E. Wapskuller.
- Avoid needless complexity.
- For example, Instead of It has often been said by scholars and non scholars alike that the famous playwrite William Shakespeare certainly beyond a shadow of a doubt writes some great plays, try William Shakespeare writes great plays.