10 Ways to Ruin a College Paper

Reader Comments
Back to blog

Forming a thesis definitely helps me with the direction of my argument. It makes me stay focused and on topic because it's something that I have to relate back to throughout my paper. Making my paragraphs a good size is a problem for me because I tend to make "ginormous building blocks". It's difficult for me to tell when to end my paragraphs and when to start a new one.

Libby of LA 9:36PM February 06, 2012

I sometimes do include irrelevant material in my papers. I don't do it consciously or even catch it when I proofread because it seems like I am making a point, but often times it is too much of a stretch. I don't think I did this on my previous paper though.

Denton of LA 9:07PM February 06, 2012

I agree with the idea that the paper must have a flow, or at least one paragraph that leads into the next. I have difficulty writing to the minimum page requirement sometimes because otherwise I feel like I am rambling or repeating myself.

Victoria of LA 7:48PM February 06, 2012

I'm sorry but I love sentences that do no work. I don't necessarily use them but I love reading them. They are like little DUH statements in the middle of the paper to make you laugh. I do appreciate you mentioning that point though. Also, I completely agree with the proofread. Don't just trust auto-correct sometimes its wrong and that will get you and spell-checking isn't correcting your commas or punctuation mistakes.

Abby of LA 6:29PM February 06, 2012

i struggle with adding useless information, because i tend to ramble just to ensure i've added everything. it doesn't always come out as clear as i wanted it to.

RAVEN of LA 6:07PM February 06, 2012

Alluding to section number eight, I Agree that using paragraphs creates a strong structure for a well written paper, however, I also believe that writing paragraphs equal in content matter and length will not require a great deal of thought or encompass the writer’s voice.

MOORE of LA 4:42PM February 06, 2012

I find this article humors and very factual with some points that are made. Some of the errors that are made in writhing papers are careless and like the article said a lack of proof reading your own paper. It's also helpful in terms of reminding us what we need to reflect on or think about when trying to write a good paper or essay. I find it extremely helpful that it comes from an actual college professor, it's a concrete view on what they expect from us.

Tesia Burton of LA 4:33PM February 06, 2012

I have problems organizing my thoughts in my head which confuses my reader in my papers. This article was helpful because I usually feel like I am not saying anything that is directly related to my argument. Thanks!

Hutson of LA 4:11PM February 06, 2012

This blog post was very helpful to read! I like that it gives clear, simple points that can be easily used in a highschool setting as well. It's almost like a checklist that you can skim through to make sure you have everything needed.

rollo of LA 1:58PM February 06, 2012

Actually, in Hong Kong, they are super strict about plagiarism, and super paranoid that people would plagiarize, because to HK people, they see education as a direct indication of how much money you are going to make, and they view the teachers and gatekeepers of money-making, and the whole entire purpose of education is to get a job, and the college teachers really love their power over the students, because they are so proud of themselves as the gatekeepers of money, it is they and they only who will decide which of their students will earn more in life, by way of giving you a grade, so you'd better beg for it.
So, if you plagiarize and get a better grade, that means you will earn more than others, and you are de-powering the godly teachers' power to decide who will be richers, so the teachers are paranoid to make sure you don't plagiarize. Lovely, isn't it?

Lovely 3:07AM September 18, 2011