10 Mistakes You Don’t Realise Your’e Making, and How to Avoid Them.
Academic writing can be tricky, especially when you're just starting out. I’ve seen many students make the same mistakes, but the good news is that these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Let’s dive into the ten most common academic writing blunders and explore practical, straightforward tips to help you avoid them. Think of these as your go-to guide for turning potential pitfalls into your strengths!
1. Using Informal Language
The Mistake: Writing the way you talk—using casual language, slang, or contractions—can make your work seem unprofessional.
How to Avoid It: Academic writing needs a formal tone. Swap out casual words for more formal ones. For example, instead of “kids,” use “children.” Always review your work to make sure it sounds polished and professional.
Quick Tip: If it sounds like something you’d text to a friend, it probably needs a more formal spin!
2. Overcomplicating Sentences
The Mistake: Trying to sound “academic” by using overly complex sentences that end up confusing the reader.
How to Avoid It: Keep it simple and clear. Break down complex ideas into shorter, more manageable sentences. Your goal is to make your argument easy to follow, not to impress with complicated language.
Quick Tip: After writing a sentence, ask yourself, “Would this make sense to someone reading it for the first time?”
3. Lack of Structure
The Mistake: Presenting ideas in a disorganized way, making your writing hard to follow.
How to Avoid It: Start with an outline. Organize your thoughts before you start writing. Each paragraph should have a clear topic and purpose. Your writing should flow logically, guiding the reader smoothly from one idea to the next.
Quick Tip: Use transition words like “furthermore,” “however,” and “in conclusion” to connect your ideas and help the reader follow your argument.
4. Weak Thesis Statements
The Mistake: Writing a vague or broad thesis statement that doesn’t clearly define your argument.
How to Avoid It: Your thesis statement is the backbone of your paper. Make it specific and direct. It should clearly state your main argument and guide the rest of your essay or paper.
Quick Tip: If someone can’t tell what your paper is about after reading your thesis, it’s time to revise!
5. Overusing Quotations
The Mistake: Relying too much on quotes from other sources, making it seem like you’re just repeating what others have said instead of presenting your own ideas.
How to Avoid It: Use quotations sparingly and only when the original wording is essential. In many cases, your marker will read a quote and think, “Could the student have paraphrased this in their own words?” If the answer is yes, they may consider the quote unnecessary. Overusing quotes can make it seem like you’re leaning too much on others’ words instead of your own. Paraphrasing shows that you understand the material and helps keep the flow of your writing smooth.
Quick Tip: If a quote isn’t essential, try putting it into your own words. Your work should have more of your voice than anyone else’s.
6. Failing to Cite Sources Properly
The Mistake: Incorrectly citing sources or forgetting to cite them, which can lead to plagiarism issues.
How to Avoid It: Citing sources correctly is crucial in academic writing. Learn the citation style required for your work (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) and use it consistently. Tools like Zotero or Citation Machine can help you keep your references organized and accurate.
Quick Tip: As soon as you find a source you want to use, jot down the citation details right away—this will save you from last-minute stress.
7. Using Vague Language
The Mistake: Using non-specific words like “things,” “stuff,” or “a lot,” which can weaken your argument.
How to Avoid It: Be specific and precise. Instead of saying “a lot of research,” describe exactly what kind of research and by whom. Precision strengthens your argument and makes your writing clearer.
Quick Tip: When you catch yourself using vague terms, ask, “What exactly am I referring to here?” and rewrite it to be more specific.
8. Ignoring the Importance of Revision
The Mistake: Consider your first draft as the final product without revising, which often leads to weaker arguments and unnecessary errors.
How to Avoid It: Revision is where the magic happens. After finishing your first draft, take a break, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Focus on clarity, coherence, and strengthening your arguments. Editing isn’t just about fixing typos—it’s about refining your ideas.
Quick Tip: Read your work out loud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing and sentences that don’t quite work.
9. Drifting Off-Topic
The Mistake: Including information or arguments that don’t directly contribute to your main thesis or topic.
How to Avoid It: Stay focused on your main argument. Before adding a new point, ask yourself how it supports your thesis. If it doesn’t, consider cutting it out.
Quick Tip: Keep referring back to your thesis statement to ensure each paragraph is aligned with your main argument.
10. Writing in the First Person
The Mistake: Using “I,” “we,” or “my,” can make your writing sound less objective.
How to Avoid It: Academic writing typically avoids the first person to maintain an objective tone. Instead of “I believe,” use “The evidence suggests.” This adds authority to your writing and keeps the focus on the research.
Quick Tip: Practice rewriting sentences from the first person to the third person to get comfortable with the academic voice.
Key Take Away
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only improve your academic writing but also make a stronger impression on your professors. Remember, academic writing is a skill that takes time to develop, so don’t be discouraged if it feels challenging at first. Keep these tips in mind, revise your work carefully, and watch your writing improve with each assignment. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s clarity, precision, and effective communication. You’ve got this! Happy writing!