Do not
use semicolons (;) to separate sentences—that is the function of periods
(.).
Furthermore, semicolons are the hardest element of the
English language to properly use, and they are often considered archaic in
formal writing. Think about the
grammatical markers you see in the readings for the class and the material you
read on the daily basis. Rarely do you see a semicolon (or colon for
that matter). So, do not use them.
Avoid
the use of rhetorical questions in formal writing.
Questions are a weak way to state a point. He/she can not stop and ask you questions for
clarification as they read. Thus, always
turn rhetorical questions into direct statement. This writing technique will prevent your
reader from drawing a different conclusion than yours.
Do not
use clichés in formal writing.
Example: “that life is not a bowl of strawberries and
cream”
Always
introduce and explain quoted material.
The “drive by” use of quoted material . . . When using
quoted material you must always introduce a quote. Furthermore, a quote must also be
explained. Leaving your reader to decipher
the meaning of a quote, and to insert its flow into the paper, is highly
dangerous. Just as rhetorical questions
often lead the reader to a different meaning than your own, so will not
introducing and explaining quotes.
Piecing It Together
Now that you have these key hints for what college
professors are looking for in essays, use them to your advantage. Awe your professors, make them gleeful and
happy to read a your error-free, or virtually error-free, paper, and snicker at
your friends as they ponder, cry, and agonize over the bounty of reds marks on
their papers.