This week I have gotten a lot of questions about a lot of different things. So, I’ve decided to make a list of tips from our WC tutors.
- Try taking a walk to get out of a writing funk.
- When you feel lost in a paper, take a step back and make an outline or review an outline you made during your planning process.
- Always get someone else to look over your writing. It is so easy to make little mistakes or typos.
- Trying to come up with a catchy title? Try using alliterations, puns, or other fun literary devices.
- Start a paper as soon as you can. Having ample time before a due date relieves stress and gives you time to make changes.
- Don’t get hung up on loving particular sentences. Sometimes, even though you love them, they are confusing to others.
- Take feedback.
- Don’t be afraid to question someone’s feedback, or go to another person to see what they think.
- Just because you take someone’s feedback doesn’t mean you have to use it.
- The key to organization: OUTLINES OUTLINES OUTLINES
- Be prepared to get an awesome idea. Sometimes you are laying in bed, or in the car, or in a class when an amazing idea pops into your head. Have pen and paper or your
“Notes†option open on your phone/computer so you can write down the idea so you don’t forget. - Publish your writing. It can be scary, but there is no harm in publishing a piece that you really like. There are so many opportunities; for example, The Arts Review is an on campus journal for all departments and faculties.
- Challenge yourself. Taking risks can sometimes take your paper from a B to an A.
- Ask for extensions. A lot of profs on campus will actually give extensions if you ask. So, go ask your prof if you can’t get something in on time … the worst thing they can say is no.
- Don’t get attached to your first draft. It may not be that great at first. This is why writing is a process, not a single act.
- Big words sound great, but if they make your paper confusing just cut them. I promise you that you won’t sound stupid if you are just clear.
- Write about things you are interested in. If you aren’t particularly interested in the Pythagorean theorem, Darwin’s theory of evolution, or the novel you are reading in a lit class, then come at the paper from an angle that does interest you. Writing is so much easier when you enjoy the topic.
- Be opinionated if you have to be.
- Look at how many times you use semicolons and then reevaluate your use of semicolons; they are barely used correctly.
- For the love of God go to the Writing Cen