Some Quick Tips for Essay Revision

Avoid Trite Introductory Phrases

• “Throughout history…” or “Since the beginning of time…”

• These phrases are overused and far too general. Remember to start your essay with an idea directly related to the topic.

Eliminate Platitudes

• “Millions of Americans drive automobiles” or “Religion is everywhere” or “Many people endure suffering”

• Platitudes are stale, space-wasting statements of what every reader already knows.

• When found in an essay, platitudes can be seen as an insult to the reader’s intelligence; this may result in the reader slapping you in the face.

Support Your Generalizations with Specifics

• Explain your ideas

• Use example

• Use quotations

• Use anecdotes

• “Suffering can help people grow.” What kind of suffering? What do you mean by “grow”?

NEVER USE A CLICHÉ!

If you do, Bigfoot will find you and tear your arms off.

Revise Awkward Sentences

• The awkward sentence is where grammar and style collide.

• Sometimes there may be nothing technically wrong with the sentence, but it may be hard to understand.

• To catch these errors, read the sentences aloud. When you hear one, your eardrums will begin to bleed.

If you use these tips, you will be as cool as…

this guy.

fin