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15 Essay Writing Dos And Don’ts to Help You Write Great Essays

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by  Antony W

September 13, 2022

Essay Writing Dos and Don’ts

There’s nothing worse than scoring low marks for an essay that you’ve worked so hard to complete.  So before you start working on your essay, regardless of the type of essay your instructor has asked you to work on, it’s important to know about essay writing dos and don’ts.

This will help you stay on the right track from the time you start writing to the moment you put the final full stop to paper.

Key Takeaways

  • Use short, simple sentences to make your essay easy to read.  
  • Include a statement of declaration (thesis statement) in the introduction.
  • Stick to the format for writing an essay.
  • Do not share too many ideas in a single paragraph. Each paragraph should address one unique issue.
  • Do not plagiarize your work.
  • Do not address your reader in the essay but focus on the objectives while remaining detached and analytical.
  • Do use this essay writing service if you don’t have enough time to write your essay from scratch.
  • Do not start an essay with the phrase “My essay” or “In this essay”. 

The Dos and Don’ts of Essay Writing: 10 Things to Do and 10 Things to Avoid

Here are the dos and don’ts of essay writing:

1. Do Split Up Your Sentences if They Get Too Long

Make sure your sentences are not blocks of words. A block of words will undoubtedly turn off the readers because they will find the essay boring to read.

So, make sure your sentences are short and to the point.

Apart from easing your readers reading experience, splitting your sentence will even help you discover sentences that can stand alone during essay editing.

2. Do include a thesis statement in the Introduction

You should include a thesis statement in the introduction to summarize what the essay is.

Having a thesis statement in your introduction also helps the reader to understand what you are about to write about.

This statement should appear at the end of the introduction paragraph.

In this section, completely avoid the use of complicated words since it is a point where the reader gets a clue of what you intend to communicate.

3. Do Use Simple Sentence

As you write your essay, ensure the language and sentences you use are easy to digest. Use words so simple that even a high school student can understand.

What is the goal of using heavy words in your essay yet no one will understand what you’re trying to communicate?

Just help the reader to understand you more by using simple sentence constructions.

4. Do Remember to Proofread Your Work

Carelessness, laziness, unprofessionalism is what readers see in you when you submit unrevised essays for reading.

Typing errors, grammatical errors, and small spelling mistakes can make an essay you took time to right look bad.

It is your essay nobody else’s so, make the effort to go through it.

Revisiting your essays helps you identify errors. Once you eliminate each of the errors, your essay will have a good flow of ideas and be very easy to read.

5. Remember to Look for Formatting Requirements

Before you start writing an essay, make sure you have gone through the formatting requirements.

Reading these requirements is important because it shows that you can follow instructions.

The habit of reading through instructions, before anything else and implementing what the instructions command will help you score high marks for the essay.

6. Remember to Use Your Candidate Number, Tutors Name, and Page Numbers

Before submitting any of your essays for marking, ensure that you have included your candidate number as your file name.

Remember you are not the only student submitting his or her assignment, and that means if the assignment doesn’t have a candidate’s number you won’t get your results.

It is also important to include the name of your tutor and indicate the number of pages your work has.

7. Sufficient Spacing

As you write, leave some space for the tutor to leave comments as he or she marks your work. The space should be on both margins of the essay paper.

8. Do Discuss Literature in the Present Tense

Always use present tenses when writing essays.

Adhere to present tense especially when the essay an assignment based on literary works. Present tense on historic narratives makes your essay more engaging.

9. Choose the Correct Language

Your ability to investigate and explore topics is based on the language you choose to use write your essay in.

The language you use will also determine how well and how easy you will explain your points and prove your opinions.

The language you choose to use also determines the level of your language proficiency and grammar knowledge. It is therefore important that you ensure the language you choose favors you.

10. Make Good Use of Your Time

 A semester is usually 75 days or 15 weeks long.

This is enough time to prepare the 20-page assignment. Make good of the period to write an essay worth awarding good grades.

Our time management tips can help you use your time well.

11. Don't Give the Reader too Many Ideas in a Single Sentence 

Having all your essay ideas in a single sentence means the remaining part of the essay is a joint of words with no meaning and is only there to lengthen your essay.

Also, long and too complicated sentences will confuse essay readers.

So sprinkle the ideas you have all over your essay.

12. Do not Plagiarize Your Essay

Never should you ever use someone else’s research as your own. Markers always disqualify plagiarized essays .

Readers also distrust you once they learn a portion of your essay is a duplicate from an outside source. In case you find a piece of information so important, give credit to the author.

13. Do Not Address the Reader

While writing an essay, avoid addressing your readers. Instead, you should focus on your objectives.  Stay detached and analytical.

Avoid appealing to your reader’s personality and emotions because if you do, they will rightly lose the reading morale.

Essays that touch on the reader’s emotions and personality are as tasteless as water.

14. Do Not Open an Essay With “In this essay or My essay”

Of course, we already know it is your essay, so you should never start up your essay with such phrases.

Consider staying formal to the very end. Also, be careful about the kind of expressions you use in essays because some expressions might hurt your reader’s emotions and feelings.

15. Don’t List the Topic of each Body Paragraph  

Although this is a strategy taught to armature students to help them organize their work better, it has a few limitations.

First, it will work well on short essay projects on an essay. Second, listing the topic in each body of your paragraph may not lead to complex points.

Unless you are asked to do so by the instructions, avoid listing the topic of each body paragraph.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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Essay writing is an obligatory academic assignment, regardless of course of study and institution.

However, few students find the essay writing process easy. Of course, practice makes perfect and by the time students hit their senior year in college, most of them can write an essay in their sleep.

However, no one wants to learn from their own mistakes so knowing the most important dos and don'ts of essay writing will help make this experience less stressful and more productive.

There is no universal template that can solve every college essay trouble.

However, the following rules of writing are standard and applicable to all types of academic essay, no matter what the course and topic:

The Do's of Essay Writing

Do make your essay easy to read.

Because of the large number of essays that have to be graded, many instructors admit that they skim read essays to get an idea if a student is competent in the topic and how well they have adhered to the style guidelines. Therefore, it is a good idea to structure your essay so the key points are visible when skim reading and are clear enough to get the message across.

Get rid of extra words and phrases, use clear constructions and stick to the point.

Do Include a Thesis Statement in the Introduction

A thesis statement is an important part of introduction and the essay in general, so it should never be neglected. The thesis statement should reveal the main idea of the essay in a concise format.

Although it is an obligatory part of the introduction, never make your thesis statement the opening sentence of your essay. It is a good idea to place it at the end of the introductory paragraph so it serves as a transition to the main body of the essay.

Do Use Transitions Between Paragraphs

Sometimes paragraphs sound like separate pieces of text put together. This is the wrong approach to writing.

Your essay should be smooth and coherent, leading the reader from one point to another. This is why you should use transitions – the phrases that help to connect each idea with the previous one, serving like bridges between paragraphs.

Examples of phrases you can use for transitions include:

  • Despite the previous arguments…
  • Speaking about this…
  • Regarding this…
  • With regards to this…
  • As has been noted…
  • To put it briefly…

Do Cite Examples

Any example you use – from literature, scientific work, etc. - should be cited.

Only examples from your own experience do not have to be cited. If you want to include mention of something that you have read, even if you are not using a direct quotation,  it is best to reference the source of the information. This way, your examples will be more convincing and form more reliable evidence of the points you wish to prove.

The key to easily finding relevant examples is to build a collection of valuable texts in your field. With the help of your collection, you will save a lot of time searching for suitable examples on the Internet or other sources. Organize your files into folders and subfolders to easily find the text you're looking for. If your library becomes large, use these tips to easily search for text in your files.

Your text library can also help you diversify your writing style. Take a cue from the best writers in your field, and explore the variety in style and sentence structure they use.

Do Discuss Literature in the Present Tense

When writing literary reviews or essays based on literary works it is advisable to use present tense – historical present or narrative present, as it is called. It makes the storytelling more engaging and real, increasing the feeling of presence.

For example:

‘Romeo and Juliet experience true love the moment they see each other. Love makes them forget everything else. From the very beginning they are somehow aware that they are doomed to die – they have given up their lives to love. Not only love, but every emotion in the play is heightened and leads to terrible consequences.’

Book Reviewed by Amrita Dutta.

Do Use Advanced Vocabulary

The aim of an essay is to not only to reveal your knowledge of the topic, but to show your ability to choose appropriate vocabulary and show your language expertise.

You should show that your vocabulary has progressed since high school. That means using advanced vocabulary and replacing ‘good’ and ‘nice’ with more appropriate synonyms to reflect the shades of meaning.

Do Respond to the Prompt of the Essay

The prompt of the essay is intentional.

No matter how much you want to ‘go with the flow’ and write whatever your inspiration dictates, you should remember you are writing an academic assignment and, as long as it has a prompt, you should stick to it.

If the prompt is complicated and consists of several parts, analyze your final draft and check if you covered every point of the essay prompt.

Do Use Simple Sentences

Complicated sentences may be confusing, not only for the person reading and grading your essay but for the students themselves.

Writing complicated sentences doesn’t indicate elaborate writing style. Rather it may show your inability to convey information in a simple and readable format, or to break the sentences in a logical way. What’s more, complicated sentences increase the risk of grammar errors and stylistic mistakes. Famous writers, like Hemingway or Fitzgerald, wrote simply and that didn’t make their writing any worse.

Do Choose Proper Type, Style and Format

A good essay is not about style and formatting, of course, but style influences the first impression your paper makes.

First and foremost, professors want to see the correct essay style and structure depending on the topic and essay type students have to tackle. In many cases, the style meant to be used in the essay is laid out in the directions or has been established beforehand. You may easily figure out the style based on the type of essay.

Do Choose the Right Language

The language you use in the paper indicates your ability to research and analyze the topic, prove your opinion, and explain your points clearly and vividly.

It also shows the level of your language proficiency, knowledge of grammar and syntax, and ability to develop rich vocabulary. It is important to remember the academic style of writing and use the appropriate language. The following phrases work well to introduce and support your points:

  • There seems to be no compelling reason to argue that …
  • The argument can be made …
  • Current research on [your topic] shows …
  • The most common argument in favor of (or against) is …
  • There is a growing body of evidence to support …

Do Revise your Writing Thoroughly

Before you hit ‘Save’ and print the final version, check your essay thoroughly to avoid spelling mistakes, typos and incorrect sentence constructions. Apart from language mistakes, check if you followed all the requirements: number of words/pages, text formatting, essay structure, etc.

See our page: Assignment Finishing Touches for more information.

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The Don'ts of Essay Writing

Now that you’ve learnt the major Dos, let’s move to some Don’ts – the things you’d better avoid in essay writing.

Don't Overwhelm your Essay with Information and Facts

Though essays should be meaningful and detailed, learn to filter the information and choose only important points.

There is a temptation to include every single detail of your research to make the essay holistic and complete. However, your aim is to narrow the topic, show that you are able to analyze and structure information, and choose only the most relevant facts to prove your points.

Don't Neglect Formatting Details

No matter what your style and formatting requirements are, you should not forget to pay attention to the following points: paper size, spaces, font size, margins, and page numbers.

Also do not forget about narration types. For example, narrative essays tell stories from first person while persuasive or argumentative essays require that you leave emotions out and base your views on the solid facts, so no first person narration is appropriate.

Don't Use Too Many Clichés

While using set phrases, avoid overwhelming your essay with clichés.

Remember that not all clichés are good for every type of essay. What's more, professors expect your work to be original and truly value students with fresh ideas and views. Also, beware of using informal language. This doesn't mean that your writing should be reminiscent of a scientific thesaurus rather than real speech, but academic writing requires a certain level of formality.

See our page: Avoiding Clichés for more.

Don't Let Typos Ruin your Essay

Although typos do not indicate your language proficiency or grammar knowledge, they may show your professor that you are not attentive enough or do not care enough to proof read your essay.

Submitting a paper that looks like a draft can be interpreted by a professor as disrespectful.

Don’t Rely Only on Spell Checkers

Though spell checkers are good way to automatically proof read your writing, don’t rely on software alone.

These programs may miss a lot of spelling errors that that human eye will definitely notice. So, take time to proof read your essay. It is better to print out the final version on paper as spelling mistakes can be missed when reading from the screen. It is a good idea to ask someone else to have a fresh look at your essay and to proofread it for spelling mistakes.

Do Not Plagiarize

This rule should be clear for every student.

Plagiarism is a form of cheating, and when detected it is always punished.

Do not risk your reputation and your place in higher education. Plagiarism is easily detected today with the help of software and Google, so be honest with yourself and your educators and write on your own.

Reference every source to make sure you are not committing plagiarism, even unintentionally. It is a good idea to ‘know your enemy’ and read about the kinds of plagiarism possible and best ways to avoid it.

See our page: Academic Referencing for more information.

Do Not Address the Reader

No matter what type of essay you are writing, academic writing rarely reveals the author nor engages in the conversation with the reader. Addressing the reader is more a mark of fiction than an academic essay. While writing a college essay you should be detached, objective and analytical rather than appeal to the reader’s emotions and personality.

Don’t Start an Essay with “ in this/my essay ” Phrase

The introduction has to present the main idea of the essay and reveal what you are going to talk about.

Writing an effective introduction and including a thesis statement is enough to lead the reader into the context of your essay topic without using this meaningless high school phrase ‘In my essay I’m going to focus on…’

Don’t Use Negative Language

Negative language doesn’t mean vulgarisms. It means words with negative suffixes, phrases with negation, etc.

For example, painless is not a negative word in its meaning. However, using it makes the reader focus on pain instead of its absence. So it is better to replace so called negative language with more positive, synonymous expressions, like using economical instead of inexpensive, or comfortable/pleasant instead of painless.

When writing an essay you should walk a fine line between presenting a clear idea of the established knowledge and proving that you understand it well enough to make an independent assessment.

Show your professor your ability to format an essay correctly, choose the right style, express your point of view and prove it with facts. Learn to balance the form and meaning and essays will no longer be challenging for you.

About the Author

Tracy Collins is a writing instructor, education enthusiast and author.

Continue to: Writing a Dissertation or Thesis Academic Referencing

See also: Common Mistakes in Writing The Writer’s Toolkit: Essential Elements of Outstanding Essays Study Skills

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Essay writing 101: Dos and Don'ts

Writing essays is one of the most important aspects of every student's education since it fosters their ability to reason and express themselves creatively.

You can use this information to explore academic subjects; after you have put it in writing, you will understand it more fully. Additionally, writing essays strengthens your logical reasoning and study techniques because it forces you to look up information on the issue.

Furthermore, it teaches students how to structure their ideas by dividing them into introductions, subtopics, and conclusions as well as how to conduct research and  try out explanatory writing .

Let us share with you the tips to follow while writing an essay :

·      Read the instructions and make sure that you understand them well before starting the essay. The instructions will state how many words you need to write, which content topics and supporting facts you should include in them, and all other details about the topic that you need to know thoroughly.

·      Ensure that your writing is easy to read and does not require any additional background knowledge for you or your readers to understand what you are trying to communicate.

·      To make sure the content is free of plagiarism, you can take references from other websites. However, ensure that the sources are properly cited and referenced so your audience will have no problem in understanding where you got your information.

·      It is quite common to notice sentences and punctuation errors in essays. The essay should be free of any grammatical errors, as they give readers a negative impression. The writer should pay special attention to this.

·      In order to effectively develop your essay, you need to consider what will be the major purpose of this argumentative essay. Make sure that all your arguments and points are in support of the central idea. If you can explain why something should be implemented or why something should not, then it is a good idea to do so.

Don’ts

·      The secret to writing an excellent essay is to address the essay themes that is being assigned to you. If you don't personally know any of the facts or figures, don't bother about stating them. This is one of the main errors that students make when trying to create essays.

·     A conclusion that doesn't make sense or doesn't engage with the main points of your essay can be a turn-off for readers. Remember that everyone wants to feel cared about and understood during their reading experience.

Therefore, it is the writer’s responsibility to create quality content for the readers.

·      There is no limit on the number of sentences and words you can use if it is coherent. Long sentences can be confusing, and it will be difficult for your reader to follow them.

They also look bad when printed out. The title of your essay should be short, informative, and clear. Avoid using too many words for your title as it will take longer for a reader to recognize what topic you have written about.

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Crafting a Compelling College Essay: Dos and Don’ts

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Crafting a Compelling College Essay: Dos and Don’ts

Way to essay excellence!

Applying to college is a very stressful process, and nothing skyrockets students’ stress levels like the college essay. The college essay is very stressful because, unlike grades and test scores, it’s open-ended. There are a million different ways to write a college essay, and a million possible topics. Students often have a hard time knowing what to write their college essay about. They often don’t even know where to begin! Let’s take a look at some college application essay Dos and Don’ts to help get you on the right track with your college essay.

Dos for your college application essay

Writing a college essay may be daunting, but follow these tips, and you’ll be typing away in no time.

1. Do think about what you want colleges to know about you

Remember: The college essay is your chance to show colleges who you are in your own words. What do you want colleges to know about you? Who do you want to show to them? Take some time to consider what persona you would like to present to colleges. Then, think about what stories or events from your life allow you to showcase best the traits you’re trying to convey.

2. Do use your college essay to tell a story

Do use your college essay to tell a story and make it personal . College admissions officers have to read essay after essay after essay, all day, for months. Telling a story is a good way to help grab their attention. It will also give you the chance to demonstrate your point in a way that is specific, relatable, and memorable. Think carefully about which story will help you articulate your point, and then tell that story in your college essay. Just make sure to be succinct and engaging.

3. Do reflect on the story you tell

It’s not enough to just tell a story from your life. Part of the point of the college essay is to show that you are a mature, capable, reflective thinker. So, after you’ve told the story in your college essay, you have to reflect on it. Why was this story so important to you? How did you change as a result of this story? Why have you chosen to tell it now? Reflection is an important part of your college application essay, and it lets admissions officers see that you have the ability to sit down and grapple with complex ideas.

4. Do leave yourself plenty of time to write your college application essay

Do leave yourself plenty of time to write your college application essay. Good writing takes time – way longer than you think – and several drafts. Start at least three months before the deadline to give yourself time to improve your writing , think and get feedback, and write and rewrite it. It may be a long process, but your essay will come out much more polished if you give yourself enough time to go through several drafts and get useful feedback.

Don’ts for your college application essay

Try to avoid these common pitfalls when drafting your college essay. 

1. Don’t write about a very common college application essay topic

There are a few college essay topics that admissions readers see over and over…and over and over. These include the following:

  • The time your team worked very hard and won the big game…or didn’t win but learned a lot
  • An important lesson your grandma taught you
  • The time you traveled to a different country and learned just how good your own life is

Of course, even though these topics are widely overdone, it is still possible to write about them in a unique and engaging way. But unless you’re very confident that your particular college essay is a fresh take, it’s best to steer clear of these topics.

2. Don’t submit the very first thing you write

It is important to take your time with your college essay. You don’t necessarily want to tell the first story that comes to mind, and you don’t want to submit your very first draft. Give yourself time to edit! Your essay has to fall within the right word limit , so it’s important to take your time so that you can craft the story you want to tell within the proper constraints.

3. Don’t start with the prompts

This is a very common trap that students fall into! Students often read the essay prompts and then try to squeeze themselves into the prompt offered. This is understandable, but it makes you think much more narrowly than you otherwise would. The prompts are quite broad. Pretty much any essay you write could fit into one of them. So, instead of limiting yourself, think first about who you want to come off as and which story about yourself you want to tell . Then, write the essay, then decide which prompt fits. It will definitely fit one. After all, the last prompt in the Common App is a wildcard prompt. You’re allowed to submit any essay or piece of writing you want!

College application essay examples

Let's look at some impactful college application essay starters and topics.

College essay first sentences

One of the hardest things to do is start! Here are some examples of successful college essay first sentences:

  • I heard a loud bang. I thought a bird had hit the roof of my car, but when I got out, I saw the front bumper dangling off the right side.
  • I swing my pickaxe into the crevice of a rock a few feet above me, praying that it holds when I hoist myself to the next foothold. If it doesn’t, and I lose my pickaxe… I try not to think about it. 
  • I thought the town would have changed in the six years since I had left, but as we drove past the old snowcone shop that my mom went to as a kid, I began to think that maybe I was the one who had changed.
  • Nine-year-old Isabelle and I stood under the bars, chalk flying around us. 

College application essay topics

Here are a few of the successful college application topics we’ve seen over the years.

  • The student who loved working on cars and refurbished an old VW. He illustrated how the lessons he learned from working on his car applied to different parts of his life. 
  • The student who reflected on a video she watched in stats class. The video helped her grapple with the balance of effort and privilege she has faced in her own life up to this point.
  • The student who reflected on her decision to quit dance used this as an opportunity to explore her personal philosophy and the concept of quitting more generally.

Want more ideas? Here are several more college essay examples.

Elevate your academic journey with a great college essay & an ideal living space with us!

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Need more advice on your college applications?

The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. Great College Advice provides individually tailored, one-on-one advising to help young people achieve their educational ambitions. If you’d like more information about their services, contact them for a free consultation. Or just pick up the phone and call at 720.279.7577.  

We trust these dos and don'ts for crafting a compelling college essay prove valuable in your writing journey. Follow guidelines, revise diligently, and seek feedback. Your essay is a powerful tool; wield it thoughtfully to leave an indelible impression on admission committees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write a college essay, what is a short essay in college, what is the most common college essay widely used for, what is the college essay format, how do you write a 500-word college essay.

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Essay Do's and Don'ts : A Practical Guide to Essay Writing

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essay dos and don'ts

July 31, 2018

Ten Do’s and Don’ts for Your Application Essay

10 do's and don'ts for your application essay

The Application Essay Do’s:

  • Unite your essay and give it direction with a theme or thesis. The thesis is the main point you want to communicate.
  • Before you begin writing, choose what you want to discuss and the order in which you want to discuss it.
  • Use concrete examples from your life experience to support your thesis and distinguish yourself from other applicants.
  • te about what interests you, excites you. That’s what the admissions staff wants to read.
  • Start your essay with an attention-grabbing lead — an anecdote, quote, question, or engaging description of a scene.
  • End your essay with a conclusion that refers back to the lead and restates your thesis.
  • Revise your essay at least three times.
  • In addition to your editing, ask someone else to critique your essay for you.
  • Proofread your essay by reading it out loud or recording it and playing it back.
  • Write clearly, succinctly.

The Application Essay Don’ts:

  • Don’t  include information that doesn’t support your thesis.
  • Don’t  start your essay with “I was born in…,” or “My parents came from…”
  • Don’t  write an autobiography, itinerary, or resume in prose.
  • Don’t  try to be a clown (but gentle humor is OK).
  • Don’t  be afraid to start over if the essay just isn’t working or doesn’t answer the essay question.
  • Don’t  try to impress your reader with your vocabulary.
  • Don’t  rely exclusively on your computer to check your spelling and grammar.
  • Don’t  provide a collection of generic statements and platitudes.
  • Don’t  give mealy-mouthed, weak excuses for your GPA or test scores .
  • Don’t  make things up.

But wait. What if you are still not sure how to develop a unifying theme? Or perhaps you don’t know which experiences to focus on, or simply lack confidence in your writing skills, or have suddenly developed an acute case of blank-screen-it-is? Remember, you can have one-on-one, personalized assistance every step of the way. Accepted’s services will give you the guidance and direction necessary to draft a compelling story and the comprehensive editing needed to perfect it.

From Example to Exemplary - Download your guide today!

Related Resources:

  • The Quick Guide to Admissions Resumes , a free guide
  • How to Stay Within Essay Word Limits by Reducing Verbal Verbosity
  • 7 Simple Steps to Writing an Excellent Diversity Essay

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College Essay DOs and DON’Ts

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  • DO give yourself enough time . Some students work well under tight deadlines, but we always suggest you start the essay writing process early enough to spend ample time brainstorming, free-writing, drafting and perfecting. You will need distance and time away from various stages of your draft in order to gain the necessary perspective it takes to make improvements. While many a student has regretted starting their essay the week (or night!) before it was due, we don’t know anyone who complained about starting his/her essay too early.
  • DON’T plagiarize . This one should hopefully go without saying . Not only does plagiarism reflect poorly on your character, chances are copying someone else’s words verbatim (or close enough) will not result in an essay that is reflective of your distinctive personality traits and writing style. Believe in your own abilities and create work that is yours and yours alone.
  • DO be honest . You are awesome (yes, you). Many of your experiences, when discussed honestly and thoughtfully are absolutely worthy of inclusion in a personal statement. Even if you don’t have kooky, out-of-the-box stories to tell, sincerity counts for a lot in an essay that aims to say something about your personality and values. You don’t need to make things up or exaggerate your circumstances. You are enough. Also, liars get caught.
  • DON’T exceed length limit . Attention to detail! An arguably annoying, yet critically important skill that will be relevant in almost any task you tackle in the future. Start this next phase of your life right by paying attention to the length limit. Many applications help you with this detail by providing word-limiting boxes in which you will paste your beautifully written masterpieces. But for those that don’t — beware! Double and triple check these details before submission.
  • DO respond to the prompt . You may have that really great story you want to tell, but if no one’s asking for it, writing it won’t do you any good. That said, we find that a wide range of stories, with just a bit of tweaking, can be molded to fit within the boundaries of the Common Application personal statement prompts . Let us know if you need help adapting your chosen subject to the Common App questions. We’ve helped many a student in the story/prompt matching game. That’s what we’re here for!
  • DON’T use cliches or overuse idioms . Cliches in college essays get us all bent out of shape . Think you can’t crack the nut of the personal statement without using these over-worn phrases? We don’t buy it. Whenever you find yourself recording a phrase off this list , dig deeper. We know you have it in you! Also, tell your story simply and directly. If you don’t idioms in your everyday speech, don’t try to squeeze them into your essay.
  • DO take breaks . Breaks are essential for generating creativity and keeping yourself from getting burned out. Taking regular breaks will keep you on schedule , but don’t take too many! Too many breaks in a row stop being breaks and start being procrastination.
  • DON’T rely on spell check . Spell check catches a lot, but not everything. It won’t catch homophones (the famous your/you’re pair, for example) but admissions officers sure will. Plus, giving yourself the chance to proofread in-depth will also allow you yet another chance to make sure you like the way your essay flows.
  • DO write about things other than your accomplishments . An essay in resume form is not the best use of your essay space. You can list all the great things you’ve done in other places in the application. Use your essay for reflection, showcasing humor, talking about your passions — anything that isn’t already reflected on your activity sheet.
  • DON’T stress out . Stress helped cavemen flee lions, but it may hurt you more than help you when writing your essay. Take a deep breath. Know that one hundred percent of students we speak to, even if they are scared at first, complete their college admissions essays. And call us if you need us. We can help alleviate some of the stress of this process. Dare we even suggest that we make it fun?

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12 Tips on Writing an Essay: The Most Common Do’s and Don’ts

EssayEdge > Blog > 12 Tips on Writing an Essay: The Most Common Do’s and Don’ts

This December has been a big month for the number 12. To continue in the spirit of 12/12/12 and even that beloved (or possibly, vehemently hated) holiday tune, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” today EssayEdge presents to you, ” The Twelve Dos and Don’ts of Writing and Essay.” Enjoy!

  • DO give yourself time. Two weeks is ideal, but twelve days would work too. Even if you’re only a day or two away from your deadline, starting now is always better than starting later.
  • DON’T plagiarize. Using someone else’s work will kill your chance of admission.
  • DO be honest. Trying to make a four-week internship that you spent mainly answering phones sound like you were the CEO of a Fortune 500 firm for a year won’t improve your standing in the eyes of the admissions committee.
  • DON’T exceed the length limit. Admissions officers have heard every excuse in the book for why a particular applicant desperately needs 700 words when the maximum specified was 500. The simple fact is that there is never a good reason to go over, and doing so will reflect poorly on you.
  • DO be descriptive. One of the essay writing tips to do this is to use active verbs and dynamic nouns. “The red car stopped directly in front of my friend,” is nothing compared to, “The Ferrari squealed to a halt inches from Steve’s face,” and both use the exact same number of words.
  • DON’T write a resume in essay form. If your essay or statement reads like a narrative listing of your various courses, clubs, jobs, and accomplishments over the past several years, it isn’t serving its intended purpose.

Need help? Check out EssayEdge editing services:

  • DO respond to the prompt. It’s amazing how many applicants write essays that, while generally solid, aren’t actually relevant to the prompt at hand. If the prompt asks a specific question (or several), make sure your essay provides an answer.
  • DON’T use cliches or overuse idioms. If you do not know how to make an essay better, expert writers recommend deleting unnecessary idioms and phrasal verbs. This one should be a piece of cake, like taking candy from a baby.
  • DO take breaks. Writing comes in fits and starts. If you feel like you’re making good progress, then by all means continue. If you’re stuck with a nasty case of writer’s block, though, the best cure is often a nap, some exercise, a movie, or anything else that takes your mind off the essay for a while.
  • DON’T rely on spell check. Automatic functions in programs like Microsoft Word are helpful tools, but they’re not infallible. Mistakes can make it though unchecked. See?
  • DO have someone else review your work. Whether a close friend, parent, teacher, counselor, or professional, having someone else read through your essay will give you valuable feedback. Sometimes it takes a new perspective to spot problem areas that you would otherwise miss.
  • DON’T completely stress out. Yes, this is important, and yes, it takes a lot of work, but it’s not the end of the world. Make sure you still find time for relaxation and the things that are important in your life.

These do’s, and don’ts of essay writing are basic rules of writing one must memorize. Apply them regardless of the type of paper you’re working on. The last ‘Do’ is a must. If you can’t find the right person to proofread dissertation or essay, press ‘Order Now.’ You’ll find it here.

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Nearly all applicants to graduate school are required to submit one or several admissions essays, sometimes referred to as personal statements. This component of the graduate admissions application permits the admissions committee to see "beyond the statistics " -- to see you as a person apart from your GPA and GRE scores . This is your chance to stand out so make sure that your admissions essay truly reflects you. An essay that is truthful, appealing, and motivating can increase your chances of acceptance but a poor admissions essay can eliminate opportunities. How do you write the most appealing and effective admissions essay possible?

Admissions Essay Dos

  • Prepare an outline and create a draft.
  • Answer all the questions asked .
  • Make sure your essay has a theme or a thesis.
  • Provide evidence to support your claims.
  • Make your introduction unique.
  • Write clearly and make sure it is easy to read.
  • Be honest, confident, and be yourself.
  • Be interesting and positive.
  • Make sure your essay is organized, coherent, and concise.
  • Write about yourself and use examples from your own life experiences.
  • Use a mixture of long and short sentences.
  • Discuss your future goals.
  • Mention any hobbies, past jobs, community service, or research experience .
  • Speak in the first person (I…).
  • Mention weaknesses without making excuses.
  • Discuss why you're interested in the school and/or program.
  • Show, don’t tell (Use examples to demonstrate your abilities).
  • Ask for help.
  • Proofread and revise your statement at least 3 times.
  • Have others proofread your essay.

Admissions Essay Don’ts:

  • Have any grammar or spelling errors. (Proofread!)
  • Be wordy or use jargon (don’t try to impress the readers by using big words).
  • Swear or use slang.
  • Digress or be repetitive.
  • Be boring (ask someone to read your essay).
  • Generalize.
  • Include cliches or gimmicks.
  • Be comical (a little humor is okay but remember it can be misconstrued).
  • Be defensive or arrogant.
  • Focus on other individuals.
  • Discuss politics or religion.
  • Make lists of accomplishments, awards, skills, or personal qualities (Show, don’t tell).
  • Write a term paper or an autobiography.
  • Summarize your resume.
  • Include information already cited on the application.
  • Forget to proofread.
  • Self Assessment and Writing a Graduate Admissions Essay
  • FAQs About Writing Your Graduate Admissions Essay
  • How to Write Your Graduate School Admissions Essay
  • How to Write the Graduate Admissions Essay
  • Private School Application Essay Tips
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essay dos and don'ts

  • The Dos and Don’ts of Using Tables and Figures in Your Writing

by acburton | Apr 29, 2024 | Resources for Students , Writing Resources

What do you do when words just aren’t enough?

For subjects outside of the Humanities, including STEM disciplines such as mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering, using tables and figures throughout your writing can effectively break-up longer pieces of text by presenting useful data and statistics. Within the Humanities, the incorporation of multimodal elements is championed in UCI courses (Humanities Core!), and can aid in your construction or support of an argument. But what are some things to keep in mind when including these components alongside your written work?

When incorporating tables and figures into writing, you’ll want to be mindful of the:

Who Needs a Table or Figure?

What is the best way to convey the information you have to a reader? What discipline are you working in? How best can you visualize the data you would like to share?

Starting with these questions (or others like it) is a great place to begin when thinking about whether or not to include tables and figures in your writing. While incorporating the following into research or lab reports for a STEM related course may seem like a no-brainer, you’ll still want to examine what kind of data you’ll want to share with your audience or reader and what is the best way (table or figure) to present it. With your audience in mind, think about their expectations as well as your ability to present your data in the most effective, concise, and efficient manner possible.

Synthesize versus Visualize

The incorporation of tables into your writing often serves as one method for synthesizing information, including existing literature, or to explain variables or present the wording of a specific kind of data (e.g., the wording of survey questions) (UNC). In contrast, figures (images, charts, graphs (pie charts, line graphs, etc.* [1] )) are the visual representation of results (UNC). They can be used to provide a visual component or impact and can effectively communicate primary findings such as the relationship (patterns or trends), between two variables (UNC).

Think of figures like you would paragraphs. If you have several important things to say, consider making more than one table or figure, or incorporating other visual elements, one for each important idea that you would like to share. No matter what, strive for clarity ! Don’t put too much information on your tables or figures, making them crowded or difficult to follow. Likewise, do use consistent elements (such as a uniform font) in your tables or figures so as to not distract your reader or audience.

Let’s go through a few other Dos and Don’ts for incorporating tables and figures into your writing!

use a table or figure in your writing as a method of making your data more concise and presentable.

use tables and figures to enhance or supplement the text. They should be self-explanatory.

  • be sure that your tables and figures reflect your data accurately.

Don’ts

  • incorporate a table or figure just because you want to reach the page minimum for an assignment.
  • use a table or figure solely for aesthetic purposes. This may backfire, as it could demonstrate to your reader that you do not have a solid grasp on the requirements or expectations of the assignment or discipline.
  • repeat data already shown on one table or figure.

Remember that this is not an exhaustive list. Strive for clarity whenever you decide to incorporate tables or figures into your writing!

How Tables and Figures Interact with Text

Although tables and figures must be able to stand alone, without additional information provided in the text, it is recommended that you reference your tables and figures within the text, reinforcing your decision to incorporate them into your writing.

To refer to tables and figures from within the text, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests beginning your sentences with:

  • Clauses beginning with “as”: “As shown in Table 1, …”
  • A Passive voice: “Results are shown in Table 1.”
  • An Active voice (if appropriate for your discipline): “Table 1 shows that …”
  • A Parentheses: “Each sample tested positive for three nutrients (Table 1).”

Another way that tables and figures interact with text is in the captions. Captions should be concise, descriptive, and comprehensive. They should describe what is being shown, draw attention to important features, and, sometimes, may also include interpretations of the data or results (UNC). Figures are typically read from left to right, top to bottom, but for additional formatting information, reference the citation style guide used for your specific assignment. We recommend using Purdue Owl as a resource for additional clarification.

Check out these Dos and Don’ts  surrounding the interaction between tables, figures, and texts!

  • clarify any abbreviations you use within the text or in your captions.

consider incorporating your data into the text instead of using a table or figure if there is simple or less data to show.

  • repeat data or information already summarized in the text.

Tables, and Figures, and Blog Posts, Oh My! Visit the Writing Center for additional assistance on using tables and figures in your writing!

https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/figures-and-charts/#:~:text=Think%20of%20graphs%20like%20you,way%20that%20is%20visually%20clear .

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10394528/

https://core.humanities.uci.edu/index.php/spring/multimodal-presentation-tools/

[1] This is not an exhaustive list; don’t forget X, Y scatter plots or XY line graphs are also great examples!

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The Dos and Don'ts of Persuasive Writing

Michał Archacki

June 6, 2023

The Dos and Don'ts of Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing is a powerful tool in the communicator's arsenal, essential in various settings from business proposals to social media campaigns. It's an art that involves not just presenting information, but doing so in a way that influences and convinces your audience. However, effective persuasion is a nuanced practice that requires a blend of technique, empathy, and strategy. In this extended guide, we delve deeper into the essential dos and don'ts of persuasive writing, providing a more in-depth analysis and practical advice to enhance your communication skills.

Understanding Your Audience: The Core of Effective Persuasion

Demographic Depth: Delve into the age, gender, socio-economic status, and interests of your audience. For example, if you're writing for a younger audience, incorporating contemporary slang and trends can make your writing more relatable.

Psychographics: Go beyond basic demographics and explore the values, attitudes, and lifestyles of your audience. Understanding these aspects helps in tailoring your message for maximum resonance.

Feedback Loops: Engage with your audience through surveys or social media interactions. This direct engagement can provide invaluable insights into their preferences and viewpoints.

The Power of Emotion: Crafting a Compelling Narrative

Emotional Triggers: Identify and leverage the emotions that drive your audience's decisions. Whether it's fear, happiness, anger, or hope, tapping into these emotions can significantly amplify your persuasive power.

Ethical Storytelling: While emotional appeal is effective, it's crucial to use it ethically. Avoid manipulation and focus on creating genuine, heartfelt connections with your narrative.

Character Development: In your stories, develop characters your audience can identify with. This builds empathy and makes your message more impactful.

Evidence and Reasoning: The Pillars of Persuasion

Diverse Evidence: Utilize a mix of statistical data, anecdotal evidence, and logical reasoning. This variety caters to different types of readers – those swayed by hard facts, personal stories, or logical arguments.

Counterarguments: Address potential counterarguments in your writing. This not only shows that you've thought through various perspectives, but also strengthens your position by preemptively addressing criticisms.

Source Credibility: Ensure that your evidence comes from credible and reputable sources. Citing authoritative sources enhances the trustworthiness of your argument.

Navigating the Don'ts: Common Pitfalls in Persuasive Writing

Balancing Emotion and Logic: While emotional appeal is powerful, overreliance on it can undermine your argument. Balance emotion with logical reasoning and evidence.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences and sensitivities. What is persuasive in one culture might be ineffective or even offensive in another.

Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone and message throughout your writing. Inconsistencies can confuse your audience and weaken your argument.

Beyond Text: The Role of Visuals and Layout in Persuasion

Visual Aids: Incorporate relevant images, graphs, and charts to complement your text. Visuals can break up long sections of text and help illustrate your points more vividly.

Formatting for Emphasis: Use formatting tools like bolding, bullet points, and headings to emphasize key points and make your content more skimmable for readers.

Whitespace: Don't underestimate the power of whitespace. A cluttered layout can be overwhelming and off-putting, whereas ample whitespace makes your content more readable and engaging.

Authenticity in AI-Generated Content: Blending Technology with the Human Element

Voice and Tone: Even when using AI tools, strive to maintain a unique voice and tone in your writing. This helps in differentiating your content from generic AI-generated text.

Adding Personal Insights: Infuse your content with personal insights and experiences. This adds a layer of authenticity and relatability that AI cannot replicate.

Adapting AI Output: Use AI as a starting point, but don’t rely on it entirely. Adapt and modify the AI-generated content to align with your style and the needs of your audience.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Influence

Effective persuasive writing is a multifaceted skill that goes beyond mere words. It involves understanding your audience, using emotion judiciously, backing your claims with evidence, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging visuals and layout for added impact. In the digital era, where AI plays a significant role in content creation, maintaining authenticity and a human touch is more crucial than ever. By mastering these nuanced aspects of persuasive writing, you can create content that not only engages and convinces but also builds lasting connections with your audience.

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15+ Wedding Etiquette Dos And Don'ts

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

<p>Wedding season is coming up, so get ready. Here is a handy guide to wedding do’s and don’ts so the next time you’re a guest at a wedding, you’ll be the belle of the ball (after the bride, of course).</p>

Wedding season is coming up, so get ready. Here is a handy guide to wedding do’s and don’ts so the next time you’re a guest at a wedding, you’ll be the belle of the ball (after the bride, of course).

<p>So you’re probably wondering, "Why am I listening to this random stranger on the internet about weddings?" Well, before we dive into our list of do’s and don’ts, I want to inform you that I myself am actually a bride-to-be. </p> <p>Due to current world events, I’ve had to postpone my own wedding twice now, so between attending a few weddings as an adult and spending the last two and a half years planning my own, I’ve learned a thing or two about proper etiquette. </p>

Before We Begin

So you’re probably wondering, "Why am I listening to this random stranger on the internet about weddings?" Well, before we dive into our list of do’s and don’ts, I want to inform you that I myself am actually a bride-to-be.

Due to current world events, I’ve had to postpone my own wedding twice now, so between attending a few weddings as an adult and spending the last two and a half years planning my own, I’ve learned a thing or two about proper etiquette.

<p>You open your mailbox and notice a letter from a college friend. It’s an invitation to her upcoming wedding later this fall. As large events like weddings are once again being hosted, perhaps you need a refresher on etiquette. </p> <p>While these tips can be applied to anyone, this list is intended for wedding guests who are not a part of the wedding party. Whether attending with a significant other or solo, here’s my handy list of do’s and don’ts so you can make a striking impression and not end up a horror story on Reddit. No wedding party responsibilities here! </p>

Save The Date

You open your mailbox and notice a letter from a college friend. It’s an invitation to her upcoming wedding later this fall. As large events like weddings are once again being hosted, perhaps you need a refresher on etiquette.

While these tips can be applied to anyone, this list is intended for wedding guests who are not a part of the wedding party. Whether attending with a significant other or solo, here’s my handy list of do’s and don’ts so you can make a striking impression and not end up a horror story on Reddit. No wedding party responsibilities here!

<p>Not sure what hotels are near the venue or did you forget the start time of the ceremony? If one of these minor questions arises, don’t bother the bride and groom with it. </p> <p>I guarantee they’ll be stressed out planning the finishing touches, and the last thing they need is Aunt Linda calling to ask if there’s free parking at the venue/hotel. If in doubt, refer to the wedding website. All important information such as dates and times, directions to the venue, dress attire, menu options, and transportation will be included. </p>

Defer To The Wedding Website

Not sure what hotels are near the venue or did you forget the start time of the ceremony? If one of these minor questions arises, don’t bother the bride and groom with it.

I guarantee they’ll be stressed out planning the finishing touches, and the last thing they need is Aunt Linda calling to ask if there’s free parking at the venue/hotel. If in doubt, refer to the wedding website. All important information such as dates and times, directions to the venue, dress attire, menu options, and transportation will be included.

<p>The couple has to submit a final headcount about two weeks prior to the wedding date. This is so the venue knows how many people will be attending, and can therefore plan things like the number of people that need to be fed at the reception. </p> <p>There’s usually a date on a wedding invitation that says the date by which to RSVP. <i>Memorize it. </i>Respond in a timely manner stating whether you can attend or decline so the bride and groom don’t have to hound you looking for a response. Otherwise, prepare to bring a chair and a sandwich. </p>

Remember To RSVP

The couple has to submit a final headcount about two weeks prior to the wedding date. This is so the venue knows how many people will be attending, and can therefore plan things like the number of people that need to be fed at the reception.

There’s usually a date on a wedding invitation that says the date by which to RSVP. Memorize it. Respond in a timely manner stating whether you can attend or decline so the bride and groom don’t have to hound you looking for a response. Otherwise, prepare to bring a chair and a sandwich.

<p>The more guests that are invited to a wedding, the more expensive it’ll be for the couple. Because of that, sometimes couples have to make ruthless cuts to the guest list in order to save money or adhere to the capacity limitations of the venue.</p> <p>So with that in mind, never bring along anyone to a wedding who was not invited in the first place, and if you didn’t receive a plus one to the wedding, don’t take it personally. </p>

Invitations And Plus Ones

The more guests that are invited to a wedding, the more expensive it’ll be for the couple. Because of that, sometimes couples have to make ruthless cuts to the guest list in order to save money or adhere to the capacity limitations of the venue.

So with that in mind, never bring along anyone to a wedding who was not invited in the first place, and if you didn’t receive a plus one to the wedding, don’t take it personally.

<p>Some weddings are kid-friendly, others only make exceptions for kids in the wedding party, and others are a kid-free zone. Regardless of what the couple has decided, it’s important to respect their choice. Including kids means the possibility of a crying baby or rambunctious toddler disrupting during the ceremony, having to provide kid-friendly food, and needing someone to keep an eye on them during the reception. </p> <p>While the couple no doubt loves your children, those are extra stressors some couples would rather avoid, and that’s totally okay. Think of it this way, parents: It’s a night off from your kids to let loose and party!</p>

"No Kids" Means No Kids

Some weddings are kid-friendly, others only make exceptions for kids in the wedding party, and others are a kid-free zone. Regardless of what the couple has decided, it’s important to respect their choice. Including kids means the possibility of a crying baby or rambunctious toddler disrupting during the ceremony, having to provide kid-friendly food, and needing someone to keep an eye on them during the reception.

While the couple no doubt loves your children, those are extra stressors some couples would rather avoid, and that’s totally okay. Think of it this way, parents: It’s a night off from your kids to let loose and party!

<p>One of the biggest no-nos of a wedding—which is sure to have you ostracized by other guests and feel the bride's wrath—is wearing white. </p> <p>So a dress that’s white, off-white, or—I can’t believe I’m saying this—even remotely resembles a wedding dress is strictly off-limits. Nice dress ya got there...be a shame if the bride <i>accidentally</i> tripped and spilled red wine on it.</p>

Don’t Wear White

One of the biggest no-nos of a wedding—which is sure to have you ostracized by other guests and feel the bride's wrath—is wearing white.

So a dress that’s white, off-white, or—I can’t believe I’m saying this—even remotely resembles a wedding dress is strictly off-limits. Nice dress ya got there...be a shame if the bride accidentally tripped and spilled red wine on it.

<p>Black tie? Semi-formal? Casual? Tropical? What on earth do these terms mean? Chances are, when you’re invited to a wedding you’ll see one of these terms listed on the invitation. </p> <p>Basically, whether a formal event at a country club or a destination beach wedding, it’s letting guests know how they should dress to match the ambiance of the occasion.</p>

Wedding Attire

Black tie? Semi-formal? Casual? Tropical? What on earth do these terms mean? Chances are, when you’re invited to a wedding you’ll see one of these terms listed on the invitation.

Basically, whether a formal event at a country club or a destination beach wedding, it’s letting guests know how they should dress to match the ambiance of the occasion.

<p>Usually written into a wedding contract are the start times of the ceremony and reception. Vendors are also given the times they need to show up to the venue, such as to do the bridal party’s hair and makeup or deliver floral arrangements. </p> <p>Just as timing is critical for the bride and groom, it's also important for guests. If the ceremony starts at 4 p.m., make sure you get to the venue with ample time so your butt is parked in a chair when it begins. Likewise, it’s considered rude to leave before the newlyweds have cut the wedding cake, so if you have to leave early, be cognizant of the timing. </p>

Timing Matters

Usually written into a wedding contract are the start times of the ceremony and reception. Vendors are also given the times they need to show up to the venue, such as to do the bridal party’s hair and makeup or deliver floral arrangements.

Just as timing is critical for the bride and groom, it's also important for guests. If the ceremony starts at 4 p.m., make sure you get to the venue with ample time so your butt is parked in a chair when it begins. Likewise, it’s considered rude to leave before the newlyweds have cut the wedding cake, so if you have to leave early, be cognizant of the timing.

Keep Your Phones Tucked Away

This is one of my worst wedding fears all summed up in one image. Professional wedding photographers cost thousands of dollars, and a wedding is the one event that you don’t get a chance to reshoot.

If there is a sign saying it’s an “unplugged ceremony” or the officiant makes an announcement asking to put phones away, then be a decent human being and do it. I’m sure you can survive without your phone for 30 minutes, and sorry, Aunt Linda, but no one wants to see the blurry photos you shot with your iPad on Facebook.

<p>The bride and groom have requested phones be put away until after the ceremony, but once the cocktail hour has begun, let your wings fly and be free, little shutterbug! By the end of the night, you want to upload wedding photos to Instagram, but what's the etiquette behind that?</p> <p>People should wait until the couple first posts their professional wedding photos before uploading their own to social media. That being said, it can take weeks for photographers to send the couple the photos. So if in doubt, first ask the couple what their preference is, and if they have a wedding hashtag, make sure you use it! </p>

Social Media

The bride and groom have requested phones be put away until after the ceremony, but once the cocktail hour has begun, let your wings fly and be free, little shutterbug! By the end of the night, you want to upload wedding photos to Instagram, but what's the etiquette behind that?

People should wait until the couple first posts their professional wedding photos before uploading their own to social media. That being said, it can take weeks for photographers to send the couple the photos. So if in doubt, first ask the couple what their preference is, and if they have a wedding hashtag, make sure you use it!

<p>What’s the point of a seating chart? It’s pretty simple, actually. The couple will usually sit their wedding party and families closest to them at the head table (sorr, Aunt Linda, but you’re sitting in the back). </p> <p>If the couple is having a buffet-style reception, then seating arrangements aren't a big deal, but if it’s plated service where guests selected their own entrees or a guest has a food allergy, then it’s crucial that servers know who is who.</p>

Seating Arrangements

What’s the point of a seating chart? It’s pretty simple, actually. The couple will usually sit their wedding party and families closest to them at the head table (sorr, Aunt Linda, but you’re sitting in the back).

If the couple is having a buffet-style reception, then seating arrangements aren't a big deal, but if it’s plated service where guests selected their own entrees or a guest has a food allergy, then it’s crucial that servers know who is who.

<p>If a bride wants gifts for her bridal shower or wedding, usually there will be a wedding registry included on the invitation or website. If no registry is listed, then it’s safe to assume the couple prefers cash. It depends on your financial situation and how well you know them, but there’s no right or wrong answer regarding how much to gift—give as much as you feel comfortable with!</p> <p>And remember, if in doubt, just give them cash. No one will ever open a card filled with money and say, “They gave us money? <i>But I wanted a blender!</i>”</p>

Gift Giving 101

If a bride wants gifts for her bridal shower or wedding, usually there will be a wedding registry included on the invitation or website. If no registry is listed, then it’s safe to assume the couple prefers cash. It depends on your financial situation and how well you know them, but there’s no right or wrong answer regarding how much to gift—give as much as you feel comfortable with!

And remember, if in doubt, just give them cash. No one will ever open a card filled with money and say, “They gave us money? But I wanted a blender! ”

<p>One of the big aspects of wedding planning is food. From hors d'oeuvres to plated meals, wedding cake, late-night drunk food, and edible wedding favors, people eat <i>a lot</i>. In fact, according to <a href="https://www.theknot.com/content/average-cost-wedding-catering" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Knot</a>, catering costs $70 per guest, so it’s easy to see how a wedding bill can quickly add up. If you’re partaking in food that is meant to be shared among guests (like cupcakes or drunk food) make sure you take your fair share and leave enough for others. </p> <p>My friend/bridesmaid had a candy bar as her wedding favor and it was all gone before I got there. Five years later and I’m <i>still</i> bitter about it.</p>

Don’t Be A Human Vacuum Cleaner

One of the big aspects of wedding planning is food. From hors d'oeuvres to plated meals, wedding cake, late-night drunk food, and edible wedding favors, people eat a lot . In fact, according to The Knot , catering costs $70 per guest, so it’s easy to see how a wedding bill can quickly add up. If you’re partaking in food that is meant to be shared among guests (like cupcakes or drunk food) make sure you take your fair share and leave enough for others.

My friend/bridesmaid had a candy bar as her wedding favor and it was all gone before I got there. Five years later and I’m still bitter about it.

<p>You’ve shown up at your college friends' wedding and they've splurged on an open bar. While this is the time to show off your wicked dance moves, make sure you pace yourself when it comes to alcohol. </p> <p>Be friends with the open bar, but nothing more. Otherwise, you’ll be singing, “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor!”</p>

Know Your Alcohol Limit

You’ve shown up at your college friends' wedding and they've splurged on an open bar. While this is the time to show off your wicked dance moves, make sure you pace yourself when it comes to alcohol.

Be friends with the open bar, but nothing more. Otherwise, you’ll be singing, “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor!”

<p>Weddings are notorious for all kinds of drama. Unfortunately, they can become magnets for all sorts of hot messes (both people and situations). Leave the drama at home and be on your best behavior. </p> <p>Avoid anything that could upstage the bride and groom or cause a scene. Vomiting on the dance floor, stealing the microphone to make a drunken impromptu speech, throwing punches, or telling your uninvited friends to come and crash the wedding. </p>

Don’t Upstage The Couple

Weddings are notorious for all kinds of drama. Unfortunately, they can become magnets for all sorts of hot messes (both people and situations). Leave the drama at home and be on your best behavior.

Avoid anything that could upstage the bride and groom or cause a scene. Vomiting on the dance floor, stealing the microphone to make a drunken impromptu speech, throwing punches, or telling your uninvited friends to come and crash the wedding.

<p>Are you and your husband expecting a baby? Did you just get a huge promotion at work? Wonderful news! But if you’re at a wedding and are simply dying to tell everyone, my piece of advice? Shut the hell up!</p> <p>The biggest no-no of any wedding day is making yourself the center of attention and detracting from the couple. This is their day to be celebrated and any big news you have can wait, so step away from the microphone. </p>

Keep Personal News To Yourself

Are you and your husband expecting a baby? Did you just get a huge promotion at work? Wonderful news! But if you’re at a wedding and are simply dying to tell everyone, my piece of advice? Shut the hell up!

The biggest no-no of any wedding day is making yourself the center of attention and detracting from the couple. This is their day to be celebrated and any big news you have can wait, so step away from the microphone.

<p>While we’re on the topic of stealing people’s thunder, unless you want to deal with Hurricane Bride, the other category five-sized no-no is proposing to your significant other at someone else’s wedding. </p> <p>Weddings cost tens of thousands of dollars and can take a year or more to plan. There is nothing more disrespectful and tacky than hijacking someone’s special day to instead make it all about you. There are 365 days in a year, so find one of the other 364 to plan a proper proposal. If you attempt this stunt, I hope she says "no."</p>

If You Want To Live, No Proposing

While we’re on the topic of stealing people’s thunder, unless you want to deal with Hurricane Bride, the other category five-sized no-no is proposing to your significant other at someone else’s wedding.

Weddings cost tens of thousands of dollars and can take a year or more to plan. There is nothing more disrespectful and tacky than hijacking someone’s special day to instead make it all about you. There are 365 days in a year, so find one of the other 364 to plan a proper proposal. If you attempt this stunt, I hope she says "no."

<p>A wedding is a celebration of love between two people surrounded by close friends and family. </p> <p>At the end of the day, guests aren’t going to remember what your invitations or centerpieces looked like, but they will remember the food, drinks, and entertainment. The sign of a memorable wedding day is happy guests, so follow these tips and you’ll be the (second-best) belle of the ball!</p>

Most Importantly, Have Fun!

A wedding is a celebration of love between two people surrounded by close friends and family.

At the end of the day, guests aren’t going to remember what your invitations or centerpieces looked like, but they will remember the food, drinks, and entertainment. The sign of a memorable wedding day is happy guests, so follow these tips and you’ll be the (second-best) belle of the ball!

<p>Who’s going to be the best-behaved wedding guest? That’s right, <i>you are</i>! Every bride and groom will want you at their wedding, so march on over to that open bar and get yourself a drink—you deserve it! But not Aunt Linda, she’s already had one too many glasses of red wine and is about to become a wedding-shaming horror story on Reddit. </p> <p>Are there any other etiquette tips we missed?</p>

Did We Miss Anything?

Who’s going to be the best-behaved wedding guest? That’s right, you are ! Every bride and groom will want you at their wedding, so march on over to that open bar and get yourself a drink—you deserve it! But not Aunt Linda, she’s already had one too many glasses of red wine and is about to become a wedding-shaming horror story on Reddit.

Are there any other etiquette tips we missed?

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    Don'ts. · The secret to writing an excellent essay is to address the essay themes that is being assigned to you. If you don't personally know any of the facts or figures, don't bother about stating them. This is one of the main errors that students make when trying to create essays. · A conclusion that doesn't make sense or doesn't engage ...

  8. 5 Do's and Don'ts: Writing an Essay

    5. Do: Be Descriptive. A good way to show off your writing skills is to use descriptive language while staying within word count and format. Saying, "I was startled," and, "I breathlessly stopped in my tracks," mean the same thing, but the latter keeps your reader engaged and better shows your ability to express ideas.

  9. Essay Do's and Don'ts : A Practical Guide to Essay Writing

    Essay Do's and Don'ts is a concise, practical guide on the fundamentals of essay writing for students enrolled in introductory literature or English courses at the college or university level. In an easy, accessible tone, the authors present the essentials of structuring an essay, formulatingand supporting ideas, and writing in clear, grammatical sentences.

  10. Crafting a Compelling College Essay: Dos and Don'ts

    Do use your college essay to tell a story 3. Do reflect on the story you tell 4. Do leave yourself plenty of time to write your college application essay Don'ts for your college application essay 1. Don't write about a very common college application essay topic 2. Don't submit the very first thing you write 3.

  11. 10 College Application Essay Dos and Don'ts

    DON'T copy and paste. With upwards of 25 or more essays to write for a balanced college list of 10-12 schools, it's tempting for students to repurpose essays across applications if the prompts are similar, especially when working down to the wire. While students can use the same main essay on the Common App for multiple schools, we always ...

  12. Academic Writing in 2024: 5 Key Dos & Don'ts + Examples

    4. Don't use personal language. Research, analysis, and communication takes priority in academic essays or articles, so using personal language in formal writing is the most amateur mistake you can make. While this can't always be helped, you need to avoid personal pronouns in academic writing as much as possible.

  13. Essay Do's and Don'ts : A Practical Guide to Essay Writing

    "Essay Do's and Don'ts is a concise, practical guide on the fundamentals of essay writing for students enrolled in introductory literature or English courses at the college or university level. In an easy, accessible tone, the authors present the essentials of structuring an essay, formulating and supporting ideas, and writing in clear ...

  14. 20 Rules for Your Application Essays

    The Application Essay Don'ts: Don't include information that doesn't support your thesis. Don't start your essay with "I was born in…," or "My parents came from…". Don't write an autobiography, itinerary, or resume in prose. Don't try to be a clown (but gentle humor is OK). Don't be afraid to start over if the essay ...

  15. College Application Essay Dos and Don'ts

    That's why we put together a list of our top DOs and DON'Ts for the essay writing process. DO take a look! DO give yourself enough time. Some students work well under tight deadlines, but we always suggest you start the essay writing process early enough to spend ample time brainstorming, free-writing, drafting and perfecting. You will need ...

  16. Essay Do's and Don'ts 3rd Edition

    Over 7,000 institutions using Bookshelf across 241 countries. Essay Do's and Don'ts: A Practical Guide to Essay Writing 3rd Edition is written by Lucia Engkent; Garry Engkent and published by Oxford University Press Canada. The Digital and eTextbook ISBNs for Essay Do's and Don'ts are 9780190164324, 0190164328 and the print ISBNs are ...

  17. 24 Do's and Don'ts of Writing a College Admission Essay

    Here are our 24 Do's and Don'ts of Writing a College Essay. Read them, recite them, print this and tape it to your wall. We don't write these posts just because we like ranting about college — we do it because we want to give you the tools you need to succeed. ... Please, please don't ask them. We have had to do triage on so many essays ...

  18. 12 Tips on Writing an Essay: The Most Common Do's and Don'ts

    This December has been a big month for the number 12. To continue in the spirit of 12/12/12 and even that beloved (or possibly, vehemently hated) holiday tune, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," today EssayEdge presents to you, " The Twelve Dos and Don'ts of Writing and Essay." Enjoy! DO give yourself time.

  19. Essay Do's and Don'ts: A Practical Guide to Essay Writing

    Essay Do's and Don'ts is a concise, practical guide on the fundamentals of essay writing. Written in an easy, accessible tone, the authors present the essentials of structuring an essay, formulating and supporting ideas, and writing in clear, grammatical sentences. The book focuses on common problems first-year students encounter when writing ...

  20. Graduate Admissions Essay Dos and Don'ts

    Admissions Essay Don'ts: Have any grammar or spelling errors. (Proofread!) Be wordy or use jargon (don't try to impress the readers by using big words). Swear or use slang. Digress or be repetitive. Be boring (ask someone to read your essay). Generalize. Include cliches or gimmicks.

  21. DOs & DON'Ts

    The following is a chart that supplies the standard DOs and DON'Ts of academic writing at university. Some of these points may vary depending on the writing style and the departmental guidelines. Always check for style guides before starting the writing process to ensure that there are no additional style requirements or variations in preference.

  22. How to Write a Proposal Essay: Best Tips for Students

    A polished essay demonstrates your commitment to quality. Follow these steps to craft a convincing, well-structured text communicating your idea's value. How to make an essay stand out: dos and don'ts Crafting an outstanding text goes beyond mere words. Understanding the dos and don'ts is crucial.

  23. The Dos and Don'ts of Using Tables and Figures in Your Writing

    Don'ts. incorporate a table or figure just because you want to reach the page minimum for an assignment. use a table or figure solely for aesthetic purposes. This may backfire, as it could demonstrate to your reader that you do not have a solid grasp on the requirements or expectations of the assignment or discipline.

  24. The Dos and Don'ts of Persuasive Writing

    The Dos and Don'ts of Persuasive Writing. Michał Archacki. June 6, 2023. Persuasive writing is a powerful tool in the communicator's arsenal, essential in various settings from business proposals to social media campaigns. It's an art that involves not just presenting information, but doing so in a way that influences and convinces your audience.

  25. 15+ Wedding Etiquette Dos And Don'ts

    If the ceremony starts at 4 p.m., make sure you get to the venue with ample time so your butt is parked in a chair when it begins. Likewise, it's considered rude to leave before the newlyweds ...