College Writing

The ability to think on your feet, to read a rich piece of prose, glean its purpose and message, and reflect that understanding in a well-reasoned, fully-developed essay defines much of the writing you'll be asked to do after high school. As you work to develop your skill at composing impromptu essays, consider the following elements of good writing:

• Clarity - Have you written a focused, controlling thesis?


• Specificity - Are your supporting examples specific enough?


• Coherence - Do your transitions allow your reader to follow your thinking easily?


• Concision - Have you said what you have to say in as few words as possible?


• Interest - Does your writing offer the reader any compelling insights?


• Stylistic Maturity - Does your writing demonstrate the control of language and basic adherence to rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics that college professors will expect?

Strive to enhance your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Good writing need not be perfect writing. Above all, have something to say, and say it well.