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EssayEdge
Extra:
Achieving
Genuine
Style
In a sense,
the advice
covered in
this section
is remedial.
We are
trying to
teach you to
avoid the
common
mistakes of
bad writing
that even
smart people
can make.
The goal is
to achieve a
clean,
readable,
and
enjoyable
piece of
writing.
Very few
writers in
the entire
applicant
pool will
have the
kind of
style that
will make
them stand
out on the
strength of
writing
alone.
Developing
such a style
requires
time and
investment,
and some may
argue that
it cannot be
taught. If
you want to
undertake a
more
long-term
investment
in your
writing
aptitude,
here are
some tips:
1. Immerse
yourself in
good
writing.
Read
publications
such as
The New
Yorker
and
Atlantic
Monthly.
Even without
conscious
effort, your
writing will
improve
because you
will begin
to think in
more vivid
language.
2. Imitate
good
writers. Try
a broad
range of
styles, from
Faulkner to
Hemingway.
This will
get you
thinking
about
writing on a
higher level
and prepare
you to forge
your own
voice as you
begin to
master the
nuances of
language.
3. Keep a
journal. No
matter what
you choose
to write
about, your
writing will
improve
simply
because you
are
practicing
the craft.
Keep to a
steady
schedule.
4. Become a
good editor.
Whether you
are
rewriting
your own
piece or
someone
else's, the
process of
editing will
help you
learn to pay
attention to
subtleties
while
keeping an
eye on the
big picture.
5. Have
your work
critiqued by
professionals.
Using a
service such
as
EssayEdge
will not
only help
you improve
the essay
you submit,
but also
teach you to
recognize
your general
strengths
and
weaknesses
as a writer.
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