Both native English speakers and those speaking and writing English as a second language face the same challenge: how to write the perfect paper, deserving of the highest marks.
A student essay requires thorough preparation and demands sustained effort from the beginning of the writing process to its end—but contrary to popular belief, writing a narrative discourse need not be complicated. The basics of writing a good narrative are simple, suitable for everything from a graduate school dissertation to a college essay.
Basic rules
Good writing adheres to a few simple guidelines. For example, whether you are formulating an analytical piece, supporting (or opposing) a viewpoint, or even retelling a personal experience, you must be comfortable with your topic. Accordingly, here are some considerations for putting your ideas into words:
• What is your topic? Choose a topic about which you are passionate. This will help give your writing direction.
• What do you want to say? If you have a topic in mind, lay out the ideas you hope to explore—but make sure that you can support your thesis using reliable references.
• Why do you want to say it? Merely putting your thoughts into words is not enough: you must have a purpose: perhaps you hope to galvanize people to action or seek to persuade them to your point of view.
• How will you say it? Your style of writing should be suitable to both your topic and your audience.
When you’ve answered these questions, follow this simple sequence for taking your ideas from thought to paper:
• Simplify: Start with a simple thought and stick to it. As you go along, be alert for ideas that fit well into your paper.
• Outline: Your outline should be the map for your writing, laying out the beginning, middle, and end of your discourse. Using an outline lets you present your ideas clearly and in an orderly fashion.
• Review your first draft: Be objective—don’t settle for a half-hearted effort.
• Show your second draft to your advisor: Your advisor’s input will be essential if you hope to produce truly high-quality work.
• Be ready for rewrites: Relax and unwind when you can—get away from your assignment so that you can return to it with a fresh eye and a new perspective.
• Seek feedback from others: There’s nothing like an outside perspective to help broaden your ideas.
• Have your paper edited: Don’t let a poor finish bring down the quality of your whole work—obtain the services of a professional editor to ensure that your paper is at its best before you submit it.