How do I improve my writing?

Improvement in writing skills takes time; writing is often a cyclical process. However, here are a few tips to consider as you seek to improve your work:

• Review feedback. Look at your instructor’s feedback or comments from peers or Writing Center staff. If the feedback seems overwhelming, scan the comments first to pick out major themes or overarching patterns; then begin your revision from there.

• Ask questions. Be sure to ask questions when they arise, contacting your instructor for content information or the Writing Center regarding APA or writing-related issues.

• Reflect on your skills. Take some time to consider where you started with your writing, where you currently are, and where you want your writing skills to be. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

• Prioritize your revisions. Consider the patterns you’ve noticed and the areas of weakness in your work. Which of these will most impact clear communication? It may be helpful to start with these broader themes and then narrow your scope to proofread for punctuation, etc.

• Plan to improve. Set goals and make an improvement plan based on your reflections and priorities. Do you have a specific weakness that you want to improve on? Make a plan to work one step at a time toward improving that specific skill.

Additional Resources:

• See more tips for reflecting on and improving your writing skills.
• If you are in your coursework, feel free to make an appointment for a review of your paper. Learn about our paper review appointments and process on the Writing Center's website.
• For support courses on general writing skills, APA, organization, grammar, and so on, read these writing support course descriptions and then contact your Student Success Advisor for more information.
• See the "Welcome to the Writing Center" recorded webinar for an overview of Writing Center resources that will also help you in improving your writing skills. 
• Review the recorded version of the webinar "What is Academic Writing" and see the other webinars in the Strategies for Success Series.

Further Questions?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center?  If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Review Website and make an appointment with us! 

Do you have other general writing questions? Ask OASIS ! 

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors at [email protected].

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s homepage.