Writing is not only about knowing how to say something. It is about finding the relevant sources, fact-checking the information, and always making strong arguments. You can read as much literature as you can, but without practice, your knowledge can be rendered useless. Knowing and having zero skill to handle it is rather a waste of your time.
Many students hate their assignments because writing is definitely not on the list of their strongest skills. Or essential ones to get a degree, for that matter. However, practice and patience allow you to master the art of writing. Even if you think you don’t need it, it provides you with excellent assets for your future occupation.
Paper writing can be boring if you are uninspired or pressed for time. It is normal for many students to look up pay someone to write my paper on WritePaper on Google to save their time. The truth is, even when you are looking for academic assistance, you are still involved in the process. Looking at how professional writers deal with essays can be a good start to developing your own style.
Even if it doesn’t work out on the first attempt, keep trying and editing your text. It gets better, for sure.
1. Stay Organized
Staying organized is a must with any academic activity. Relying on your luck is not an option. Especially, when you’re dealing with deadlines, assignments, and tests. As soon as you manage your stress levels and take the situation under control, you’ll notice how easy writing and other tasks are.
You can download free apps, buy bulletin boards, or write lists. Developing routines and keeping up with a schedule is also a good way to boost your productivity and avoid burning out. Whatever helps you stay on top of your game, you should invest in it.
2. Get Ready to Work
There is no golden standard on how you should get ready to work. Some people prefer writing after a walk, others like to reward themselves with something after reaching the first thousand words. It is also a part of the routine you need to adopt while dealing with a massive workload.
Yet, writing requires a specific environment to feel productive. Of course, it depends on what works for you. Some people need a lot of light, a comfortable chair, and silence. Others prefer to focus on the writing while they lay in their bed and music blasts on max.
Also, find the time when you feel the most productive. Think about it beforehand and always keep track of the time to finish your paper within a deadline. Real pro writers know when they are most productive and what environment helps them focus.
3. Research and Prepare Sources
You have to spend a considerable amount of time looking for the best sources. And then it takes even more time to study them and break down the authors’ arguments. Give yourself enough space to understand the material and keep calm if you feel confused.
The more sources you include and properly cite, the more credibility you achieve. As a student, you are still not in a position to make breakthrough discoveries. But with sources to back up your thoughts, you have more chances to convince your audience your ideas are valid.
While getting ready to write, take care of your citations. Citing your sources correctly allows you to avoid unintentional plagiarism. The last thing you want in your paper is a missing reference.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
It is normal to misinterpret the instructions your professor gives. The problems may arise when you don’t pay attention or are reluctant to ask for assistance. Many students avoid contacting their instructor, but it is ultimately your responsibility to keep in touch with them.
At the same time, there’s nothing shameful in asking for academic assistance from online services. Many professional writers learned their craft from others. Having a helping hand allows you to see how you should write some papers.
5. Overcoming Blank Page Anxiety
Everything begins with the first rough draft. It is normal to feel trapped in your mind: you know what you want to say, but you can’t put it into words. We are also used to thinking that the best things come from the first attempt, and it is rarely true. The quality doesn’t matter in the beginning.
Every assignment takes time to research for and prepare before you even start writing something. The best way to overcome this fear is to brainstorm the topic and create a rough copy. Put down all quotes and ideas that stand out to you, so it will be easier to find them later. All pro writers begin with brainstorming and start writing a mind-map, doodles, or whatever that your professor probably won’t see.
The first rough draft is hardly ever appealing and barely makes sense. You are testing the waters where you are going with your topic and arguments. You will polish your ideas in the process.
6. Prepare an Outline and Follow the Structure
Just a reminder of what a standard paper structure entails:
- Introduction – your introduction should have a discussion and summary of points you will make throughout the essay. The most important part of it is a thesis statement, the point you are trying to prove (or disprove).
- Body paragraphs – each paragraph of your essay should support one argument and be relevant to your thesis.
- Conclusion – usually, your conclusion is a paragraph where you summarize the work you have done.
It depends on the type of paper you are writing, but the structure is always universal. And following the rules is crucial in academic writing. Otherwise, it wouldn’t make any sense for readers.
An outline will help you to develop a solid structure. It is also a great tool to keep your writing clear and avoid being overwhelmed with points you have to make. An outline can be messy (if only your professor doesn’t ask you to submit it), but its purpose is to ease your time doing the actual work.
7. Proofreading and Editing is a Must
Even though many of us often submitted the paper without re-reading it, editing and proofreading is what makes you a real pro. It is the final step in writing any paper, even a creative one. When you write the first or second draft, you still can miss careless mistakes we all can make.
It is important to have time to put your paper away to return to it later. Let it rest for several hours and then come back to proofread and edit. This is essential to upgrade your essay and make it worth the highest grade.
Wrapping Up
No one is born a professional writer. It is a long journey of becoming one and developing your voice. Even with academic writing, every student has an opportunity to find their style.
Every time you write a paper, you become better. However, it is not something that is achieved from the first attempt. So, quick recap, what can help you to deal with writing papers like a pro:
- Stay organized and develop a routine;
- Choose the most productive time and environment to work;
- Always rely on research and correct citation;
- Always clarify your instructions;
- Begin your writing by brainstorming and freewriting;
- Always have an outline and follow the structure;
- Always proofread and edit your papers;
