Keeping track of your essay word count is very troublesome. You have to consider the word limit of the paper you’ll be submitting. Working on your academic work stresses a lot of students. No matter what level you’re in, writing school work intimidates most students. A few professors and teachers like to push their students in writing challenging academic topics like social changes and arduous writing prompts.
Educators do try their best to keep their students from being stressed over writing papers. However, they still have to be prepared for what’s to come in college and work life. Formal or business writing requires a good understanding of grammar. That fact alone terrifies most graduates and soon-to-be college students.
In hopes of giving you a boost of confidence, we prepared useful online tools for your disposal. From a character counter to studying timers, we have just what you need in writing your school papers. Plus, we prepared a few tips that’ll help you in completing your tasks.
Familiarize Yourself with Academic Writing
Image from Pixabay
Everything about academic writing daunts students and writers alike. Composing one requires you to provides coherent and cited sources. You can’t just invent anything as you go. You’re supposed to provide logical answers to your assignment. The whole task needs a whole lot of planning.
To spare you from all the stress, we suggest you use a mind map maker. Creating a mind map helps you arrange your thoughts. With it, you’ll be able to organize the contents of your topic. After composing your ideas, you can then write your academic paper with ease.
There are four types of academic writing you might encounter in college. Here are a few brief introductions to what you can expect when you’re assigned to these tasks.
1. Descriptive Writing
Descriptive writing eases the minds of most students. You don’t need to plan anything elaborate. Reaction papers and initial reports fall under this category. Composing a descriptive paper requires you to just provide the sources you used.
2. Analytical Writing
Analytical writing associates descriptive writing with something more concise. Writing papers under this category compels you to compare or relate your topic to other topics. Expand your sources by visiting a library. You can also browse or purchase online textbooks if you hope to avoid library crowds.
3. Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing covers topic arguments. After presenting your research in writing, you’re asked to involve arguments to further evaluate your topic. Discussing facts with a classmate or a different teacher helps.
4. Critical Writing
Critical writing makes you apply all the three types of academic writing mentioned so far. It’s a more advanced type of academic writing that you’ll probably encounter during more advanced college courses. Critical writing obliges you to practically breathe your topic once you present it. We suggest you especially use an online mind map maker to help you focus. This can keep you away from distractions as you write about your topic.
Make Your Research Paper Shine
Image from Pixabay
Writing a research paper takes a lot of patience. You’re expected to provide a proper analysis, a bona fide interpretation, and a detailed argument without going past the required word count. It may sound difficult but, with these four simple steps, you’ll start your paper with ease.
1. Fully Understand Your Assignment
Coming up with the best topic for your essay is never easy. Even seasoned authors and journalists rely on current trends and news. Don’t be afraid to approach your professor or teachers when you’re having a hard time choosing one. It’s part of their job to help you despite the difficult tasks they give during classes.
2. Research and Conduct Surveys
Don’t skip out on compiling your preliminary research and conducting surveys. Not everything you need comes out from a quick Google search. Gather all the information you need from various sources. Narrowing your target audience also helps you compose the content you need.
3. Face the Trial and Error of Revisions
Writing a research paper is all about trial and error. You’re just a few steps away from finishing your paper. The key to finalizing your drafts starts with your introduction. Finish what you need to write from there and you’re all set.
The rest of the essay will be a breeze. Try using the Pomodoro technique to keep you away from any distractions. Here’s how you can incorporate the technique into your work routine:
Divide your day-to-day schedule
Cut your work schedule into 4-5 parts. It doesn’t have to be your entire work schedule. You can divide it and follow it before and after your lunch break. Force yourself to follow this flow to be fully immersed in this method.
Designate five-minute breaks in between
Add five-minute breaks after every division in your work schedule. Take this time to rest your mind. We suggest you completely relax your mind by meditating or listening to music. Avoid activities that may stress you out. Free your mind from doing anything. Use an online Pomodoro timer to keep track of your divided schedule.
Decide where to add the break that lasts for 15-20 minutes
To avoid burning yourself out, adding a long break in between your busy work schedule is a must. The five-minute breaks help relax your mind as you continue with your workload. Adding a break that lasts 15-20 minutes makes you rest. This doesn’t jeopardize your workflow, so don’t worry about losing productivity. People using the technique usually add their long break as their last but you can put it in your schedule wherever you please.
4. Follow a Checklist
Before submitting your work, go back to what you need to do. You don’t have to read your work all over again. Just create a list of things needed for your paper. This helps in keeping your nerves in check.
How to Increase the Word Count
It happens. You’ve followed the above steps, you pour your heart out to write the perfect paper. You’re almost there! Right before you close your laptop, you check the word count, and there it is, you’ve come up short. Whether it’s an essay, thesis paper, or college application, having to deal with a word count can be daunting sometimes. Fortunately, there are ways to supplement your academic writing. Here are some tips and techniques below.
Revise Your Introduction And Conclusion
The beginning and end of an essay tend to be more adaptable than the body. If you believe the body of your essay is well-supported and does not require additional information, it may be time to rework the introduction or conclusion. Is there a story you’d like to tell? A quote you want to share? Put that in there. Do, remember, though, that any changes you make should be pertinent to your content. You shouldn’t add just for the sake of putting words in!
Insert Examples
Examine your essay for any place you used an example to make a point. Once you’ve found one, add another one. Find case studies online, or search for relevant articles. As you do so, do not forget to cite your sources! The last thing you need would be to have your teacher or professor call you out for plagiarism.
Clarify Statements
When an idea isn’t decently fleshed out, even the best examples won’t work. What you need in this case are clarifying statements, sentences that further explain the “big picture” or the “motherhood statement” you just gave your readers. Most writers use the phrase “in other words.” That’s okay, but you can’t use it all the time. There are other words that give the same idea like, “namely,” “that is to say,” “to put it another way,” etc.
Add Quotes
Finding quotations from experts to support your statements is a great way to add words to your paper, while also improving it. Quotes can be used to emphasize almost any point, but they must be used appropriately and in context. Also, only quote people or sources relevant to your content.
If appropriate, why not add stats or surveys? Numbers don’t lie, as long as they are the right ones! Including this type of information validates your writing and can increase your word count. If you want to add 200 words or so, find a study and add another paragraph or two while linking to the study.
Address Diverse Points of View
Addressing opposing viewpoints to your own is an effective way of increasing word count, while improving your paper. Discuss how these alternative viewpoints differ from your conclusions, then explain why you chose the points you choose. Try your best not to be biased in explaining, though. Treat all viewpoints alike, without reference to one’s own feelings or self-interests. Don’t spend too much time on an angle you agree on just because you like it.
Request Assistance From A Peer
Any writer will tell you, there is power in having work seen by fresh eyes. When we can’t see the gaps in our own writing, asking a friend you trust for assistance can be beneficial. Ask them if anything is unclear, if anything else needs to be said. These questions can point you in the direction of areas where you can elaborate and provide more information.
Composing the Best College Application Essay
Remember to be yourself when writing your college application. Recruiters vie for unique applications nowadays. Separate your thoughts from academic writing. Save what you learned about research papers for later. Focus on your drive in applying for the college of your dreams.
Now, the struggle here is how can you make your application stand out? How can you avoid composing a wordy college application? The answer to those questions lies on word counter tools. Tell them about yourself without giving away too much. Center your application around the course you’re interested in. Mention the achievements related to what you’re hoping to take up in the college or university.
Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out From The Rest
Image from Adobe Stock
Writing a cover letter just screams tradition. Despite our more modernized era, submitting cover letters helps heighten your chances of landing your dream job. College students need to be familiar with composing cover letters for their internships. Components in a cover letter basically remain unchanged throughout generations. You’re still required to include the usual contact details, greeting, introduction, body paragraph, and sign-off. It’s just like writing a normal letter but making it more formal. It’s your chance to flaunt your achievements. Here’s how you can make your cover letter shine:
Grab Attention With Your Introduction
Write an introduction that makes you shine. Center this part around your desire of working under the company you desire.
Flaunt Your Experience In Paragraphs
Don’t be afraid to boast about your achievements while writing this part. Show off your educational attainment and the skills relevant to the company.
Conclude Your Letter With A Bang
Showcase your strengths as a possible intern in this section. Thank them for taking the time to read your application. Remember to mind the character count to make this part more concise. Then, include your contact details in your conclusion.
We hope our short guides can help you in your future endeavors. Don’t be afraid to take risks in reaching your goals. College life encourages you not to play it safe. Flaunt your skills and talents. It’s time to make your uniqueness shine during this part of your life. Make the most of your experience as an intern too. Grab every opportunity you need to achieve your goals.