Writing originally. How to shatter the cliché writing style of an undergraduate scholar

Well, forum, I find myself trapped in a rather odd predicament. I am currently enrolled at a community college, in North Carolina. At my college, the spring semester is at its culmination, and I find myself befuddled by my peers, and myself, for that matter. I have a perpetual fear that my writing is equal to that of a child in elementary school. As a means to try and rectify this situation [and deal with the minutia of it as well], I have decided to join this forum with the hopes that the help sought will be found here. So, my question is this: how can I identify if I am writing at the appropriate academic level? How do I know if my writing is mundane, or exceptional. More concerning, though, is how do I master writing at the graduate level? My aspiration is to obtain entry into a doctoral-level program in political science and history, but without superb skills in writing and communication I do not think that will be possible.

Any suggestions?

Hello there Daniel, and welcome to Essay Forum!

As I'm sure you knew coming into this forum, there's no magic answer or secret formula that will suddenly transform you into a wonderful writer. This forum can help you, though!

One of the great things about an academic forum such as Essayforum is that it gives you the opportunity to see the emotional feedback and response that your essay creates. This in turn helps you to become a more confident writer, something which is essential in developing your writer's voice.

Allow me to address your specific questions:


Writing is unlike other academia in that it is equal parts art and technique. This means that every academic level will have extremely variable writing samples. It also means that writing is very hard to measure- art is oftentimes interpreted differently depending on its audience. Fortunately for you, Essayforum is a great place to try your work out on many people and get a feel for its effect. I would also recommend against comparing yourself to any academic standards- instead, strive to make your writing the best possible. Don't get hung up on right and wrong- even this short introduction proves that your writing technique is solid, and well beyond that of "a child in elementray school"- concentrate instead on clarity, precision, fluidity, and emotional effect, when appropriate.


Post it here! We'll let your know. A disclaimer, though: many here on this forum like to give out compliments. I would make it very clear at the head of each essay you submit that you are looking for straightforward, honest advice. This makes a difference.


Practice. I hate to break it to you, but there is no other way. In coming here in the first place you've proven that you are looking to improve. That's a big step in the right direction!

As a forum user, I should warn you that not everyone here is a graduate or even university level writer. A few of us are, and many of us have a very solid grasp of the English language. EssayForum also has a great staff of accomplished moderators who will check every thread. Between these authorities, you will get solid advice on the grammar, structure, and specifics of good essay writing. From everyone else you will get feedback about the art aspect- that's the great thing about EssayForum. There's a place for everyone.

There is one other positive aspect of this forum which will help you reach your goals: the exposure to other writing samples, good and bad, is essential to establishing your technique. In good writing you'll find inspiration, in bad writing you will learn what to avoid, and in all writing you will gain perspective. Take advantage of the diversity here!

To get started, I would encourage you to poke around the forums and then to post a few of the assignments you're unsure of. We'd be happy to take a look!

Have a nice one.
Tim

You write very well, and the high quality of your writing reflects some understanding that you can't really have without being aware of it. So, you must know you are good.

To be perfect, though, you've got to find Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,
Dianna Hacker's A Writer's Reference, John Cresswell's stuff about research methodology, and most importantly Strunk and White's Elements of Style.

Get through all those, and you will be very confident!! Also, participate here in discussions about essays. Check the unanswered list.

How to write originally

I just wonder why some people can write with simple but effective words and have a flow to the end of their essays. Why are their ideas so stimulating and original? Why does it take them little time to find suitable expressions?

Hi :D
Your thread itself is simple and yet interesting :D


Because their thinking is simple; they do not try to complicate their idea with too much glamour; they just let it flow maintaining a simple tone. However, they add spice to their simple ideas with the most appropriate and effective key words that do not harm the tone of their essay. :D


Because they are not under stress.... when you are with a free mind, the ideas just flow


Aha... this the technical part :D You need practice dear.... practice helps improve your speed, vocabulary, grammar and everything about a language. Perhaps reading also contributes to this

Anywaysssss.... thanks for the post that gave us an opportunity to shake our heads and analyse what we really do here ....lol

Original writing requires original thinking, which does not come easily. Skilled writers make writing so easy because they have spent many hours doing it. But good writing also comes from reading good writing, and perhaps poor one as well. If you keep reading, your writing will gradually improve.

a thumb-up for you, Dumi. Thank you so much. :D:D:D:D:D
Thank you havu. Your advice is very helpful.