Ask Jay: How Can I write better academic essays?

Hey ,

I hope you are well. Please find the annotated homework attached. Based on your homework, I can see that you are thinking and writing very well about these topics. My biggest suggestion would be refining your sentences. There are some overly complicated constructions and word choices that are less "punchy" than you might want. What I mean is that your words, specifically your verbs and infinitives, need to be more direct and forceful. Avoid linking verbs (is, are, was, were, will be, has been, will have been etc.) or words that don't indicate something actively happening (to become, did, do, had). Each of these examples can be switched out for more specific words. Instead of "did" you can say "grasped" or whatever word is suitable; instead of "become" try "transitioned" "developed" or "progressed"; instead of "had" try "acquired" "attained" or "retained". And so on.

Here is the imperfect principle: If you can't picture the action of a verb or the relationship between two things that the verb is displaying, your verb may be too vague. Specific verbs are usually better than vague verbs. Even academic writing requires a sense of style. Not only does this make your writing more forceful, it also makes it more concise.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Jadon