Name ______Date: ______

Writing Tips

  • Title paper according to teacher’s directions
  • When writing about literature, ALWAYS use the present tense. When writing about history ALWAYS use the past tense.

PAST TENSE PRESENT TENSE

History: It already happenedLiterature: The writing is always in front of you

During WWII, GermanyattackedIn The Alchemist, Santiagogoes on a

many countries.life-changing journey.

  • Voice: Always use the active voice.

PASSIVE ACTIVE

The dog was biting Hugo.The dog bit Hugo.

  • Refer to the author by their last name after stating their full name once.

Ex: Golding shows how the boys devolve.

  • Paragraphs. A good paragraph is like a mini-essay:
  1. Has a solid topic sentence, which tells how paragraph will support the thesis statement.
  2. Provides adequate supporting points, evidence, examples that illustrate topic sentence
  3. Does not digress onto points not related to topic sentence
  4. Has a conclusion sentence
  • DO NOT USE FIRST PERSON (no “I”, “we”, “my”, “our” etc.)

Incorrect: I believe the author uses a humorous tone to discuss teenage rebellion in our society.

Correct: John Smith uses a humorous tone to discuss teenage rebellion in American society.

  • DO NOT USE SECOND PERSON ( no “you”, “your” etc.)

Incorrect: It may be easy for you to be pressured to fit in with the popular crowd.

Correct: It may be easy for some teenagers to be pressured to fit in with the popular crowd.

  • When incorporating a quote in your essay, do not say “This quote shows” or “This quote states”
  • Do not begin your essay with a quote, a question, or an anecdote. Use your own words.
  • Do not ask a question anywhere in your essay. You should be providing the answers not asking questions.
  • Avoid exclamation points.
  • Do not use contractions in your essay.

Incorrect: WWI wasn’t the worst war in which America fought.

Correct: WWI was not the worst war in which America fought.

  • In writing essays use a formal tone. Keep in mind you are not talking to your friend.
  • Vary word usage
  • Avoid semicolons unless you know how to use them properly
  • No clichés

Incorrect:Stalin and Hitler were two peas in a pod.

Correct: Stalin and Hitler were both totalitarian dictators.

  • Avoid absolute/superlative statements, or stereotypes. Use generalizations

Incorrect:All Americans supported FDR’s New Deal.

Correct:Many Americans supported FDR’s New Deal.