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These mistakes are very common. If you want to make sure you do not get above
a C on your paper, do the following:
1. Rely on spell checking instead of on you checking
If you want an A on your paper:
After you type your paper on the computer and run spell check, print
the paper out. Sit down. Read it.
Or better still, get someone else to read it. You already know
what it should say, and your mind will tend to fill in the gaps.
A fresh pair of eyes is a much more reliable way of checking for those
simpel spelin errurrs and that habit of leaving ____ out of a sentence.
2. Make really bad grammatical mistakes.
If you want an A on your paper:
Learn correct grammar or find someone who does.
Some programs have grammar checkers that you can use. They are useful but, like
spell checkers, they are not a substitute for proof reading.
For more information
on grammar, click here.
Grammar and spelling sound trivial. The reason they get singled out with the
red pen is that they draw the reader's attention away from what you are trying
to say. If you call my attention to the words themselves, I won't be paying
attention to the meaning behind the words. That is why teachers so often insistent
on "Standard English" spelling and vocabulary. Anything else distracts the
reader from the message.
3. Do not make it clear when you are quoting.
If you want an A on your paper:
If you use someone else's words, you need to make it clear. Otherwise
you are committing plagarism, which can guarantee you an F.
To make sure you are citing correctly (MLA style), check out the Cite
Site.
4. Only quote other people, do not put in your own opinion.
If you want an A on your paper:
This is your opportunity to tell your reader what you think about the
subject. Use it. If all that was required was a summary of other people's
writing, the professor could get that for themselves. Your contribution
is what makes the paper interesting because it is original and unique.
5. Use a big word even where a diminuitive one will do. (Use big words
instead of trying to say what you mean simply.)
If you want an A on your paper:
Given the choice between a fancy word and a simple one, go for the
simple word! You don't want to impress the reader with your vocabulary,
you want to impress them with your message. For a list of phrases to avoid,
click
here.
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