Check out these top 5 grammar tips for high school essay writing, that can will result in a
stronger paper and likely a better grade.
Use active voice:
Active voice is more direct and concise than passive voice. When you
use active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, making it clear who is
doing what. For example, “The teacher graded the paper” is active voice, while “The
paper was graded by the teacher” is passive voice. Active voice helps to make your
writing more engaging and easier to understand.
Use proper punctuation:
Proper punctuation is essential for clear and effective writing.
Commas, periods, and other punctuation marks help to clarify meaning and separate
ideas. For example, commas can be used to separate items in a list or to separate
clauses in a complex sentence. Semicolons can be used to join related clauses or to
separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. Correct
punctuation helps to make your writing more professional and easy to read.
Vary your sentence structure:
Varying your sentence structure can help to make your
writing more interesting and engaging. A sentence can be simple, compound, or
complex, depending on its structure. A simple sentence contains one independent
clause, a compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a
coordinating conjunction, and a complex sentence contains one independent clause and
one or more dependent clauses. Using a variety of sentence structures helps to keep
your writing fresh and engaging.
Avoid run-on sentences:
Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent
clauses are joined together incorrectly. They can be confusing and difficult to
understand. To avoid run-on sentences, use punctuation, such as periods or semicolons,
to separate ideas, or use coordinating conjunctions, such as “and,” “or,” or “but,” to join
clauses. By avoiding run-on sentences, you can ensure that your writing is clear and easy
to read.
Proofread your work:
Proofreading your work is essential for catching errors and
ensuring that your writing is professional and polished. When you proofread, check for
spelling and grammar errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes. You can also read your
writing out loud to ensure that it flows smoothly and makes sense. By proofreading your
work, you can catch mistakes before your teacher does and ensure that your writing is
the best it can be.
Essays are an important part of high school. Building the skills and honing writing skills with
supportive teachers and tutors will be beneficial for college and beyond.