How to Write a Brilliant essay if English isn’t Your First Language
For international students whose primary language isn’t English writing a college essay can be a struggle.
However, English proficiency isn’t everything when you’re trying to write effectively. Even native English speakers can struggle without an approach that is right for them.
Maurice Boissiere, lecturer and adjunct professor for English writing at the University of Maryland, confirms the view of Maurice Boissiere, lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of.
“I have taught international students who scored A’s on their essays , as also local students who were failing the class,” Boissiere explained. “Really the goal is to pose questions.”
Those questions help clarify the idea or subject of the essay. This is called prompts.
Style, format and purpose
What are some good questions you can ask prior to creating an essay? Boissiere suggested that every student should be aware of the format, style formatting, purpose and format.
The term “style” will determine whether your essay is a research paper, a position statement as well as an opinion piece. a summary essay. You are trying convince the audience of your point of view? Giving a thorough overview of an area? Summing up a situation or event? There are many different approaches in their style of writing.
Format is the usual structure of an essay in a way, for instance, Modern Language Association (MLA); American Psychological Association (APA) style, used mostly for scientific research papers; and Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS).
A clear purpose, he added, is the primary ingredient in formulating an effective thesis. This means that the writer needs to know what he or she is writing about and avoid wandering around a topic aimlessly.by link thekatynews.com website
Precision, concision, proofreading
After you’ve answered these questions there are three suggestions to make sure your essay is effectively written.
The first step is to be precise and clarity, which is to express yourself clearly.
“When I find words and expressions that are a bit convoluted it’s a massive red flag,” Boissiere said. “There is absolutely no value using words in a elegant manner if the person reading it is unable to comprehend what you’re speaking about.”
The third tip is concision that is, concisely stating ideas.
“Writing is actually thinking. If you’re unable express what you’re trying to get across, it’s an indication of doubt or inconsistency in your thinking,” Boissiere wrote.
Then, ensure that an individual, preferably someone who speaks the language of your choice reviews your essay before you print your final version. Don’t send in an essay that is missing punctuation or spelling as well as grammatical or printing errors.
By editing and rewriting portions that may seem strange or odd to your American classmates, you are in fact learning more about U.S. culture.
“I always try to help students from abroad proofread their work should they require help. This is kind of my job here.” said John Pugh, graduate student and teacher assistant in the English Department.
“Cultural differences can pose a problem for international students who aren’t comfortable with critical thinking. But writing definitely helps with that,” he added.
Lastly, Boissiere said, not enough students seek out help.
“I have office hours each week for a reason.” Boissiere said. “But I don’t see a lot of students coming here to ask questions.”
