Simplify, Sharpen and Strengthen Any Article, Essay or Paper

Over the summer of 2007, I spent my time at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. There, I attended several classes for Undergraduate credit, including a Journalism course. I had a fantastic professor, J. Scott, who taught me things about writing that I deem worthy to pass on to everyone reading this article.

If you read this article, every essay, paper, and journalistic piece you write from then on will be stronger, more captivating, and over all, better.

Without further ado, here are 10 tips to help you improve the quality of your writing (from least to most important):

10. Avoid the use of I and You

While the use of the words I and you can make the reader feel he/she is on a more personal level with the writer, it is generally a good idea to avoid such terms. instead of you, use he/she or one. Only use I if it is a speech you are giving about yourself or something related to you, or if it is an article encompassing your opinion.

9. The paper should flow

Question: What is a paper when paragraphs are unorganized, scattered across the page, and the whole thing is in genuine disarray?
Answer: Chaos
If a paper doesn't flow from one topic of discussion to another, it is merely a bunch of random facts or opinions you're throwing at a reader. Make sure the work flows by writing an outline of the paper before you begin typing it, which gives the article a much tighter focus (which is important).

8. Concision and word buffs

What's the difference between a 600 word to - the - point paper and an 800 word not so concise paper? Well , quite frankly it's the 200 words of bull**** you used to make it seem longer. Teachers and professors are much more enthused about your papers if they are short and sweet rather than long simply for the sake of being long. Keep to the point.

i.e. instead of saying:
"World famous, highly admired author and poet William Shakespeare.."
just say:
Writer and poet William Shakespeare.."

7. Cite your sources