Here's the second part of our tips for international students. Essay writing is a skill, and every student needs to master them. With these tips, you can write essays that will get you the grades you need.
6. Remember proper writing form
Nowadays, most universities allow students to submit their assignments online. It's a helpful system that saves everyone a lot of time and hassle. However, it also means some students forget the proper etiquette for writing.
When writing your assignments, remember to use the appropriate language. It may be submitted online, but that doesn't mean you can use slang or inappropriate abbreviations in your text. Remember, this is still a formal document, and will count towards your final grade.
7. Be sure to write a draft
An essay isn't a piece of writing that you write once, and then it's done. It's a document that needs several tweaks and rewrites before it's good enough for submission. Remember, no one gets it right on the first try.
Write a first draft, give it 24 hours, and then come back to your essay. You'll be able to see where you need rewrites, and you can tighten up your prose where needed.
8. Keep the reader interested
A good essay is one that draws the reader in, and eloquently argues it's position. If your essay is boring the reader, then you're doing something wrong.
There are plenty of ways to keep the reader excited about what you have to say, depending on the type of essay you're writing. For example, you can start in the middle of the action if you're writing a narrative essay. If it's an argumentative essay, you can make a provocative or let field argument, if you can back it up.
9. Write in English, rather than translating
It can seem like a good idea to write your essay in your native language, and then translate it to English. However, this is a lot of extra work for you and doesn't have the effect your desire. If you write in your native tongue first, the translations can be awkward and your essay could lose some meaning. Plus, writing in English first means you're practicing your English writing skills, which are essential.
10. Focus on the details
You need the big picture in your essay, but you also need to focus on the details. This means that you need to be able to see where things link, and how they all form the argument you're making.
This is especially true in application essays. The event you describe may not be a big or traumatic one, but it can be something that's had a real effect on you. Even spending a week without your parents can mean a lot. Look at those details and make sure they make up the picture you want to put forward in your essay.
These ten tips will help you write better essays throughout your university career. Give them a try, and you'll see for yourself.
