Tips for Writing a Higher English Essay
Sunday, November 7th, 2010Higher English essays should be carefully proofread
Do you need to write a higher English essay, and you are not sure you can do it right? Doubtless English is today’s lingua franca. The worldwide applicability of this language has significantly increased the worth of everything related to English. Every college student should be able to present a higher English essay, no matter what their native language is. And because academic writing require flawless English, some students face a real challenge and many difficulties.
Anyway, here we can provide you some useful tips for writing an essay in English.
Speaking and writing are not the same
Before you begin writing your higher English essay, make sure you are aware of the following fact: there is a huge difference between spoken and written English. While the first has fewer rules, the written English has many, especially for academic writing. Any student who prepares an English paper should focus on its grammar, vocabulary, linking words and expressions, etc. For example, avoid abbreviations, which are good in oral language but would diminish the quality of your written English.
Do you speak English fluently, and yet you are insecure about your writing skills? Do not worry, it is because writing is not something biological but cultural, an ability that has to be learned and practiced.
Choose your register wisely
English students worldwide tend to make one very serious mistake in their essays: they are unable to find the proper register. The thing is, you can’t write an English essay using the same simple language you use while writing emails or common communications, because if you do, that would make you fail in your paper, or at least get an essay mark below your expectations. When handing in an essay, you should demonstrate that you can communicate your message, together with proving your language ability. You should know that English is going to be scrutinized, and you will lose marks if mistakes are detected from your essay.
Ask for help!
Are you lost in translation? This happens because, when trying to work on an essay in a language different from your own, one tends to think in such a language and then translate each thought into English rather than producing text directly in the foreign language. This is a common mistake, since the structure of every language is unique. You should try and forget about translating and actually think in the foreign language.
Furthermore, if you can’t make it on your own, you may find some valuable help in a native English speaker, someone who can read your higher English essay and tell you if it is easily readable or full of weird sounding expressions. Another good tip is using an online grammar and spell-checker.
Consider looking for a professional editing and proofreading service. An essay checker may get you back on track if your essay needs to get polished. This is a very affordable service, since essay checking doesn’t imply as much work as writing a whole paper from scratch. Sure you can invest a little money if that means handing in a great English essay.
