3 easy tips for better writing

Ever feel like your writing is as clear as mud? Fear not! Here are three easy tips to make your words shine like a freshly cleaned window.

1. Ditch the Fluff

Start strong and skip the unnecessary intros. Instead of “In this article, I will discuss…”, just dive right in.

Example

Before

Since the dawn of time, humans have been fascinated by the stars. In this article, I will discuss the various ways in which stargazing has evolved over the centuries and how it continues to captivate us today.

After

Humans have always been fascinated by the stars. This article explores how stargazing has evolved over the centuries and why it still captivates us today.

2. Claim Your Topic Sentences

Make sure your topic sentences are bold and make a claim. Think of them as the superheroes of your paragraphs, swooping in to save your readers from confusion.

Remember: Your topic sentence should direct your readers’ attention to the main point of your paragraph.

How to turn descriptive topic sentences into claim-based topic sentences

1. Identify the topic
• Start with a general topic sentence that describes the subject.
• Example: “Many people enjoy reading books.”
2. Determine the Main Point
• Decide what specific point or argument you want to make about the topic.
• Example: “Reading books can significantly improve mental health.”
3. Make a Claim
• Rewrite the topic sentence to include a clear claim or argument.
• Example: “Reading books regularly can reduce stress and enhance mental well-being.”
4. Support with Evidence
• Ensure that the rest of the paragraph provides evidence or examples to support the claim.

3. Go Active

Use active voice to keep your writing lively. “The cat chased the mouse” is way more exciting than “The mouse was chased by the cat.” Plus, it sounds like a scene from a cartoon!

Remember, clear writing is like a good joke—short, sweet, and to the point.

You might be interested in

• Writing tools and resources from the Language Portal of Canada
• A Beginner's Guide to Writing Concisely (University of Waterloo)
• What is a Claim in Writing? Craft compelling arguments
• How to Introduce Evidence: 41 Effective Phrases & Examples (Wordvice.com)

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