The Most Common Mistakes Students Make When Writing Essay

Writing is a task that many find challenging, particularly when it comes to academic assignments. While there are basic rules to follow, such as starting with a thesis statement and ending with a strong conclusion, the process can sometimes be complicated.

Many individuals need help identifying and correcting writing mistakes, making them hesitant to share their work with others. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to perfect essay writing.

To help address this issue, we have created a checklist of the ten most common essay writing mistakes. By following this guide, you can become your own editor and improve the quality of your essays.

Mistake 1: Too Many Arguments

When writing an essay, it’s important to have a clear focus and avoid the mistake of trying to cover too many arguments. This can lead to confusion for the reader and weaken the overall impact of your essay. Instead, focus on one or two strong arguments that support your thesis statement and use evidence and examples to back them up.

It’s better to have a few strong arguments that are well-developed than to have many weak arguments that are underdeveloped and don’t contribute to the overall message of your essay. Remember, quality over quantity is key.

Mistake 2: Repetitive Introduction

One of the common things that students need to correct when writing an essay is having a repetitive introduction. The introduction should capture the reader’s attention and provide an essay overview. However, repeating the same information or phrases can be boring and cause the reader to lose interest.

To avoid this, try to vary your language and approach to the introduction. You can start with a question, a surprising fact or statistic, or an interesting anecdote. Additionally, make sure your introduction is concise and to the point, focusing on the main argument of your essay.

Mistake 3: Wrong Formatting

When writing an essay, it’s important to follow the correct formatting guidelines. One of the most common formatting mistakes students make is not adhering to the requirements specified by their instructor or the particular style guide they are using.

For example, if your instructor requires a certain font, spacing, or margins, failing to comply with these requirements could result in a lower grade. Additionally, different types of essays may have different formatting requirements, so it’s important to double-check what is expected of you.

To avoid wrong formatting, carefully review the assignment guidelines and the relevant style guide (such as MLA, APA, or Chicago). Use the appropriate formatting options in your word processing software and pay attention to details such as font, spacing, margins, and headings. Additionally, consider using online formatting tools or seeking feedback from your instructor or a writing tutor to ensure your formatting is correct.

Mistake 4: Lack Of Transition

Lack of transition can be a common mistake students make when writing an essay. Remembering that a good essay flows smoothly from one paragraph to the next is important.

To achieve this, it is crucial to use transitional words and phrases that help to connect ideas and create a clear and coherent argument.

To avoid a lack of transition in your essay, make sure to:

• Use transitional words and phrases such as “however,” “in addition,” “on the other hand,” “similarly,” etc.
• Have a clear structure for your essay, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Ensure that each paragraph focuses on a specific idea or point and use topic sentences to signal to the reader what the paragraph is about.
• Use parallel structures so that your readers understand your arguments. For example, if you begin a sentence with “In addition,” follow it with another phrase beginning with “In addition.”

Using these tips, you can avoid the lack of transition in your essay and create a smooth and coherent argument that is easy for your reader to follow.

Mistake 5: Plagiarism

To avoid plagiarism, you should always cite and reference any sources you use in your essay. This includes direct quotes, paraphrased ideas, and even ideas similar to what has already been published.

One way to ensure you are not plagiarizing is to use plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin, to check your work. This will help you identify any areas of your essay that may need additional citation or paraphrasing.

It is also important to develop your own original ideas and arguments in your essay. This can be done through research and critical thinking. When presenting the ideas of others, be sure to provide proper attribution and explain how their ideas relate to your own argument.

Take Help From Professionals

It is always a good idea to seek help from professionals when needed. Many online writing services can assist with writing essays, proofreading, and editing. In fact, we have a list of good essay-writing services prepared only for you. Click here to find out more about them. 

Choose a reputable and reliable service with experienced and skilled writers who can help you improve your writing skills. Consider seeking help from a tutor or mentor who can provide personalized guidance and feedback on your writing. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a way to improve and grow.