Introduction
Academic essay writing is a key skill learned in middle school, high school, college, and university. Many students still struggle with this type of writing and make common mistakes. Essays require strong organization, clear communication of ideas, careful research, and proper formatting. Students new to essay writing may find these tasks difficult. Even experienced writers can fall into certain traps. This article will explore 10 common problems in essay writing and provide strategies to avoid or overcome each issue.
Too Broad of a Topic
One common error is choosing an essay topic that is too broad in scope. While it’s important for the topic to interest the writer, it also needs to be narrow enough to thoroughly cover in the required word or page count. Broad topics make focusing the essay discussion very challenging and prevent providing depth on any one aspect. Students should brainstorm potential topics and then refine ideas down to a focused question or argument that can realistically be addressed given constraints. For example, narrowing “climate change” down to “the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities.”
Lack of Structure
Another frequent problem is writing an essay without a clear structure or organizational plan. Essays require an introduction, body paragraphs with topic sentences, and a conclusion. Failing to follow this basic framework results in writing that wanders aimlessly without a logical progression of ideas. Students must map out major points and how each body paragraph will address and support the thesis. An outline drafted before writing the essay ensures a steady organization and coherence between paragraphs. Transitions between ideas should also be included to achieve a cohesive flow.
Not Following Instructions
Students sometimes run into issues by not carefully reading and following the assigned essay instructions or rubric. Key details like word count, expected number of sources, formatting guidelines (e.g. MLA vs APA), and whether an abstract is required need close attention. Essays missing these specifications risk missing important requirements and losing points during grading, even if the content itself is strong. Take time to fully comprehend expectations before starting to draft. Clarify any ambiguous instructions with the instructor as needed.
Poor Research
Sourcing academic research appropriately is vital for college-level essays. An endemic struggle involves incorporating research that lacks credibility or relevance. Relying too heavily on weak sources severely hinders persuasive argument building. Students must select high-quality peer-reviewed journal articles, scholarly books, and credible website .gov or .edu domains. All quotes and facts drawn from sources must directly relate to and support the thesis. While Wikipedia can provide a starting point, avoid using it directly in papers. Always fact check information found online.
Not Using an Editing Process
A common problematic tendency is to write the essay draft in one sitting without revising or editing. While the initial ideas may flow smoothly, essays always benefit tremendously from multiple rounds of feedback and refinement. Fact errors, grammatical mistakes, logical fallacies, weaknesses in reasoning, and other issues are often missed during a first draft. Leave adequate time for re-reading with a critical eye, getting peer feedback, and polishing before final submission. Proofreading thoroughly for typos is also crucial.
Improper Formatting
Neglecting proper essay structure and formatting expectations can seriously undermine even the best written papers. Formatting varies between humanities, social sciences and STEM disciplines, as well as between high school, college and graduate-level standards. Basic formatting includes one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing, page numbers, and the student’s name/assignment on each page. The title page, headers, in-text citations, Works Cited/References page, and any required abstracts also call for specific layout and styling dependent on subject area and educational level. Referencing manuals like MLA or APA are essential resources and adherence to style demonstrates care and professionalism.
Poor Time Management
Many students sadly report feeling rushed and unable to adequately proofread due to poor self-governance and time management skills. Procrastination and failure to realistically schedule out tasks bite back when hard deadlines loom. Major assignments demand weeks of preparation including planning, note-taking, researching, outlining, multiple drafts, revisions, citations management, and final polishing. Leave more than a single night to achieve quality, not just quantity. Chunk work into small, achievable daily goals and allow unexpected delays and glitches. Managing stress and staying organized go far in essay success.
Not Using an Editing Process (Pt. 2)
The editing process requires careful, methodical rounds of self and peer review. After drafting the first complete version, set it aside for a day or two before revisiting with a critical eye. Look for logical flow, transitions between points, coherence to the thesis, and that facts relate to the argument. Ask peers to provide feedback specifically targeting areas like clarity, debatable assumptions, flow of ideas, potential alternative perspectives worth addressing, factual errors, typos or grammar mistakes missed. Incorporate suggested revisions into a second draft for another round of feedback. Allow time and remain receptive to constructive criticism to ensure tight reasoning and polished writing.
Conclusion
While essays pose academic challenges, understanding common problems experienced by other students provides valuable insight into areas requiring focus. With diligent research, structure planning, self-editing, time management and utilizing available resources, even inexperienced writers can craft successful essays meeting requirements. Asking instructors for specific feedback early in the writing process, and clarifying any ambiguous instructions, further ensures strong final papers on time and to expectations. Developing essay skills through practice and reflection on past experiences continually strengthens academic writing at all levels.
This article covered ten of the most common problems students encounter in essay writing: choosing a topic that is too broad, lacking a clear organizational structure, not carefully following all instructions, using poor quality or irrelevant research sources, not allowing enough time for self-editing and feedback, improper formatting, poor time management, failing to utilize a multi-stage editing process, and neglecting to take advantage of available resources for guidance and feedback. By understanding these typical pitfalls and strategies to avoid or address each challenge, students can feel more empowered and equipped for success in their academic essay work. With practice and reflection on past experiences, even novice writers can develop increasingly strong research, critical thinking and communication abilities through the essay medium.
Andrew Stroud