Strategies for Efficient Paper Writing

The ability to write a strong, efficient paper is a talent every student can acquire.

Strong writing skills are useful in and out of the classroom, and a well-written paper or essay can help you stand out in class, gain acceptance into college or win a scholarship. To become a better and more efficient writer, it's important to map out the ideas and structure of the paper, proofread and revise.

Determine the Paper's Argument

Before beginning to write the paper, consider the paper's argument and brainstorm supporting examples. By identifying a focus and targeting ways to support that claim, you can save time that you would spend revising and editing a piece later. To begin, consider the main focus of the paper. This statement is called a thesis statement. State the claim in one strong, concise sentence, such as, "Freedom of speech is important because it guarantees that all voices can be heard and that citizens are free to vocalize their concerns, fears and thoughts in a peaceful manner."

Identify Supporting Claims

After preparing a thesis statement, identify three or more examples that support this claim. For a strong, effective paper, consider a wide range of examples that target a number of areas. Consider historic or political examples, hypothetical examples that validate your argument, or even personal examples from your own life. By targeting a wide variety of reasons to support the thesis statement, you will ensure that the reader understands the significance and validity of the argument.

Proofread

Many students consider a paper to be finished as soon as it has been written. However, going back and reading through the paper allows you to catch typos, grammatical errors and other mistakes that may otherwise be overlooked. For a more efficient and stronger paper, be sure to read the piece twice. Read the paper first in your head, fixing any obvious mistakes. Next, read the piece aloud and listen for awkward phrases, unnecessary words or confusing statements.

References

• Purdue: Tips and Examples For Writing Thesis Statements
• Westmont: Suggestions on Essay Writing