Writing Tips
Word Choice
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Write in active voice; use action verbs instead of “be” verbs. Swat the “be’s” (am,
is, are, was, were, be, being, been)
Use advanced vocabulary.
Avoid repetition of words or phrases.
Create mental pictures. “Show, don’t tell”.
Use figurative language when appropriate. (simile, metaphor, alliteration,
personification, etc.”
No slang or non-specific words. (thing, stuff, a lot, guy, very, really, got)
Sentence Fluency
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Begin sentences with a unique word choice.
Vary your sentence structure. Use a variety of compound, complex, and simple
sentences to add interest to your writing.
Read your paper outloud to discern whether parts may be difficult to understand
or cause a reader to stumble.
Conventions
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No contractions (unless used in a direct quote or citation)
No more than one direct quotation.
Written in third person only (no I, me, we, us, you)
No verb tense shift, be consistent.
No grammar/spelling/usage errors
Check subject verb agreement, and pronoun/antecedent agreement.
Use commas appropriately.
Check punctuation.
Check capitalization
No typing errors
Do not use italics, bold, or underlined words. The emphasis is your writing.
Include examples or evidence to support your main points.