Writing an academic essay can be a challenging task, but the work doesn’t end once you’ve finished writing. Before you submit your essay, there are several important things you need to do to ensure that your work is polished and ready for your readers.
Firstly, you should review your essay for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Use a spell checker to identify and correct any errors, and read through your essay carefully to check for any sentences that don’t make sense or ideas that aren’t clearly expressed.
Next, you should check that your citations and references are accurate and properly formatted. Make sure that you have cited all the sources you have used in your essay, and that your bibliography or works cited page is complete. Review the guidelines given by your professor or institution to ensure that your citations follow the required format.
Once you’ve checked these initial things, it’s time for a more general evaluation of your essay. Look at the structure of your essay and check that your paragraphs are clearly organized and flow logically. Consider whether you need to rearrange any paragraphs or rephrase any sentences to improve the overall structure and clarity of your essay.
It’s also a good idea to ask a friend or classmate to read your essay and give you feedback. They may be able to spot errors or make suggestions for improvements that you hadn’t considered. Another helpful tip is to read your essay out loud – this can help you identify any awkward or unclear sentences that need to be revised.
Finally, before you submit your essay, check that you have followed all the specific guidelines given by your professor or institution. Make sure you have included any required tables or figures, and that you have cited all the necessary sources in your essay. Check that your essay is within the specified word count, and that you have included a bibliography or works cited page.
By following this checklist of 10 essential things to do before submitting your essay, you can ensure that your work is well-written, accurate, and polished. Taking the time to review and revise your essay will show your readers that you have taken the assignment seriously and have put in the effort to produce a high-quality piece of work.
Review Your Essay Structure
When developing an essay, there are several things you need to keep in mind to ensure a clear and well-structured piece of writing. Here are some essential steps to follow:
1. Stay focused on the specific topic:
Make sure that everything you include in your essay relates directly to the main subject. Don’t go off on tangents or include irrelevant information.
2. Structure your essay ideally:
3. Find resources to help with your topic:
If you find it challenging to come up with interesting ideas or arguments, consider using books or articles related to your subject. They can provide valuable insights and help you develop your essay.
4. Use paraphrasing for sentences:
Instead of directly quoting from your sources, try to paraphrase the information in your own words to add clarity and avoid plagiarism.
5. Take a look at your essay’s structure:
6. Check the flow of your essay:
Readers should be able to follow the flow of your ideas without confusion. Ensure that your paragraphs transition smoothly and that your sentences are clear and concise. You can use checklists or ask someone to read your essay and provide feedback on whether it flows well.
7. Keep an eye out for general mistakes:
Reread your essay carefully to catch any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Make sure everything is written in your own style and follows the given guidelines.
8. Evaluate your argument:
Review the strength of your argument or the effectiveness of your ideas. Make sure they are supported by evidence and that you clearly explain why they are relevant to your topic.
9. Mark and rearrange problem areas:
If you come across any weak paragraphs or unclear sections, mark them for revision. Rearrange information or find additional sources to strengthen your argument if needed.
10. Check your citations:
Ensure that you correctly cited all the sources you used in your essay. Double-check the formatting and make sure each citation is properly included in your reference list or bibliography.
By reviewing your essay’s structure before submitting it, you can identify and fix any potential issues early on. This will help you create a clear and well-organized essay that impresses your readers and effectively conveys your ideas.
| Things to Do | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Stay focused on the specific topic | Keeps your essay clear and concise |
| Structure your essay ideally | Makes it easier for readers to follow your thoughts |
| Find resources to help with your topic | Provides additional insights and support for your arguments |
| Use paraphrasing for sentences | Prevents plagiarism and adds clarity to your writing |
| Take a look at your essay’s structure | Ensures a well-organized and coherent essay |
| Check the flow of your essay | Makes your essay easier to read and understand |
| Keep an eye out for general mistakes | Ensures a polished and error-free essay |
| Evaluate your argument | Demonstrates the strength and validity of your ideas |
| Mark and rearrange problem areas | Improves the clarity and coherence of your essay |
| Check your citations | Ensures proper credit to the original sources |
Check for Proper Citations and References
Here’s a checklist to help you keep track:
- Are all sources cited in the text included in the bibliography or reference list?
- Have you cited all the necessary sources in your essay to support your arguments and provide evidence?
- Are the formatting and punctuation of your citations and references consistent throughout the essay?
- Have you used proper paraphrasing and avoided plagiarism?
- Are your citations and references clear and easy to follow for the reader?
If you’re not sure where to start, Scribbr’s citation tools can make the process easier. They provide examples and guidelines for different citation styles, so you can ensure that your citations and references are done correctly.
Remember, the ultimate goal of citing sources and including references is to show the reader that you’ve done your research and can support your claims with reliable information. Proper citations and references give your essay credibility and confidence.
So, take a moment to go through your essay and check for proper citations and references. It’s an important step in the writing process that can make a big difference in the overall quality of your work.
Edit and Proofread for Grammar and Spelling Errors
There are several strategies you can use to ensure that your essay is free from grammar and spelling errors. First, take advantage of software and online tools, such as Scribbr’s proofreading services, which can help identify and correct grammatical errors, as well as improve the overall flow and structure of your essay.
Next, read through your essay carefully, paying close attention to the individual sentences and paragraphs. Look for any errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Check that you have clearly cited any sources you have used and that the content flows logically from one idea to the next.
If you’re unsure about the grammar or structure of your essay, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from a friend, classmate, or instructor. Their fresh perspective can help identify any gaps in your writing or areas that need revision.
When proofreading your essay, it’s also important to keep in mind the specific requirements of the assignment or prompt. For example, if you are writing a narrative essay, make sure that your writing is clear and engaging, with a well-developed plot and character arc.
Use a checklist or table to mark off the different types of grammar and spelling errors you need to check for. This can help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss any important errors. For example, you may want to check for subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, proper use of pronouns, and accurate citing of sources.
In addition to using a checklist, take a moment to think about the overall structure and flow of your essay. Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence? Is there a clear progression of ideas from one paragraph to the next? Are the arguments and evidence well-supported and clearly presented?
By editing and proofreading your essay for grammar and spelling errors, you can ensure that your writing is clear, accurate, and well-written. This will not only boost your confidence as a writer but also impress your readers with your attention to detail and professionalism.
Remember, a well-written essay not only demonstrates your knowledge of the subject but also shows that you have taken the time and care to produce a high-quality piece of academic writing. So before you submit your essay, take the time to thoroughly check for grammar and spelling errors – it’s an essential step that can make all the difference.
Ask These Questions of Every Sentence
1. What is the main focus of this sentence?
Identify the main topic or idea of the sentence and make sure it aligns with your thesis statement or the overall purpose of your essay.
2. Does this sentence support my thesis?
Check if the sentence contributes to the argument or point you are trying to make in your essay. If it doesn’t, consider reworking or removing it for clarity and coherence.
3. Is the sentence clear and easy to understand?
Read the sentence out loud to see if it flows smoothly and makes sense. If it is confusing or unclear, revise it to improve its clarity.
4. Are there any grammar or punctuation errors?
Check for any grammar or punctuation mistakes in the sentence. Proofread for common errors such as subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, and correct comma usage.
5. Can this sentence be simplified or paraphrased?
If the sentence seems too complex or wordy, try to simplify it or find a clearer way to express the same idea. Paraphrasing can also help to vary your sentence structure and make your writing more engaging.
6. Does this sentence connect well with the previous and next sentences?
Ensure that each sentence flows smoothly and logically from the previous one, and that it also transitions well into the next sentence. This coherence will make your essay more cohesive and easier to follow.
7. Are there any generalizations or unsupported statements?
Check if you have made any broad generalizations or included any statements without sufficient evidence or support. Make sure to provide specific examples or evidence to back up your claims.
8. Have I cited my sources correctly?
If you have referenced any external sources within the sentence, check that you have included the proper citations or bibliography entries. Verify that your in-text citations and bibliography entries follow the required academic style.
9. Does this sentence add value to my essay?
Consider if the sentence adds valuable information or insights to your essay. If it doesn’t contribute anything meaningful, consider removing or rephrasing it to improve the overall impact of your writing.
10. Have I followed the instructions and guidelines?
Review the instructions and guidelines provided for your essay and make sure that the sentence aligns with them. Checklists or rubrics can be helpful in ensuring that all the necessary elements are included.
By asking yourself these questions for every sentence in your essay, you can identify areas that need improvement and make the necessary revisions. This level of attention to detail will ultimately result in a stronger and more polished final essay.
FAQ
What are some essential things to do before submitting an essay?
Some essential things to do before submitting an essay include proofreading for grammar and spelling errors, checking for proper formatting and citation, ensuring that all requirements and guidelines are met, and revising the content for clarity and coherence.
How important is it to proofread an essay before submitting it?
Proofreading an essay before submitting it is extremely important. It helps to identify and correct any grammar and spelling errors, ensuring that the essay is free from mistakes and easier to read. It also improves the overall quality and professionalism of the essay.
Why should you check for proper formatting and citation before submitting an essay?
Checking for proper formatting and citation is crucial as it shows that you have followed the required guidelines and maintained academic integrity. It also helps to make your essay more organized and credible by properly attributing sources and providing accurate references.
What should you do if the essay requirements and guidelines are not met?
If the essay requirements and guidelines are not met, it is essential to revise and make necessary changes. This may involve adding or removing content, adjusting the structure, or editing the formatting. It is important to ensure that the final essay meets all the specified criteria.
Why is it important to revise the content of your essay before submission?
Revising the content of your essay before submission is crucial as it allows you to improve the overall clarity and coherence of your ideas. It gives you the opportunity to reorganize information, strengthen arguments, and ensure that your essay flows smoothly. This enhances the overall quality and effectiveness of your writing.
