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Many college students could use some extra help managing the writing assignments that are so crucial to successful learning.  As you begin each new writing task, perhaps you'll find the following suggestions useful.

When you first receive a writing assignment:

1.  Ask your professors if they have a model response to the same assignment that will give you an idea of what's expected.  Many professors save models of previous student papers to share with you.

2.  Ask your professor to define the audience and purpose for this paper.  In real life, we usually know whom we're writing to and why we're writing; when we receive academic writing assignments, it's helpful to have this same information.  If, for example, the professor defines your audience as readers of an academic journal, you might employ a more formal vocabulary and style than you would use if you were writing for fellow students.

3.  Make sure you understand the assignment.  Look for key words (such as summarize, investigate, report, analyze, discuss, interview, etc.) that tell you what your professor wants you to do.  If you're not sure, ask.

4.  Start you writing early enough so that you can make a brief appointment to talk with your professor about your rough draft.  Here's where you can ask if you have a clear main point or if there are places where you need to provide more details or explanations.  Having a reader respond to your writing can keep you from wandering off your point or help you to see where you aren't providing enough information.

5.  Before you begin to write, make sure you understand the criteria that will be used to evaluate your work.  When professors design assignments, they have certain standards in mind; if you know beforehand what these standards are, you can complete the assignment more successfully.

6.  Show your draft to another person who you know is a careful reader.  Ask this person to point to places in your writing that are confusing or unclear.  All successful writers benefit from some sort of feedback.  If you don't have access to a trusted reader, make an appointment (it's free!) at our Writing Center in MH 223.  There you'll find tutors who are carefully trained to help you develop your essay more clearly and more fully.

7.  If you'll need to use outside sources, find out which citation form you're supposed to use.  Because each discipline has different customs, ask your professor which citation form (e.g. MLA or APA, etc.) is expected.  Ask to see a sample Works cited, References, or Bibliography page, and make sure your sources are accurate.  That way, when your readers are interested in a particular point you're making, they'll be able to know exactly where to go to find further information.

8.  Once you've revised your draft, making sure you have a clear focus and all of the necessary information, carefully proofread and edit your writing, checking for errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  Such mistakes interfere with clear reading and send the message that you didn't care enough about your ideas to present them in the best possible light.  This may not be true, but if you want your hard work to receive all the credit it deserves, you'll take this advice very seriously.

9.  If revision is an option, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.  That way, you can use the professor's comments to improve your writing even further.  If you don't understand the written comments on your paper, make an appointment to talk about your writing; often, it helps to have these discussions as soon as possible.

10.  Become aware of your own writing process.  Once you can pinpoint which problems you usually encounter as you write (and all writers have problems), you can learn strategies and techniques to help you deal with these difficulties.  Here's another instance where the Writing Center can prove useful.
 

Some of these suggestions may seem obvious, but often in the rush to complete assignments on deadline, students forget to clarify certain basics.  Also, it's important to keep in mind why good writing is so important.  Once you graduate, that diploma may open doors and help you obtain a good job: that's the easy part.  But it's those people who can write and communicate clearly who will keep that job and who will continue to succeed.  Remembering this may convince you to make good writing one of your top priorities.
 
 

If you have a question or would like further information, please contact Donnalee Rubin at 978-542-6076 or at drubin@salemstate.edu.