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- Everlyn M, ScholarlyWritings.com
Table of Contents
Professors Share Their Top 10 Academic Writing Tips
“If deep learning is the goal, then instructors should teach learning for transfer, not compliance.”
I begin with this statement because the transfer of learning is the heart of academic writing in college and beyond.
However, many students struggle to master academic writing. They feel burdened when required to complete an academic writing task. Yet, mastering academic writing is essential to share ideas, contribute to scholarly discourse, and develop critical thinking skills necessary in their academic and professional lives.
At ScholarlyWritings.com, we have compiled the top 10 academic writing tips from top university professors you should master. These time-tested tips applicable across disciplines will help you demystify the academic writing process, learn how to improve in academic writing, and elevate your writing to earn top grades and advance your understanding and academic growth.
1. Understand the Prompt Inside Out
“Reread your assignment sheet carefully. Highlight action verbs and note any technical requirements (like word count or file formats). Ask yourself: What is the primary purpose of this assignment?” – Associate Professor in the Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures Department at Michigan State University.
Professor’s Insight
Before writing a single word, dissect the prompt. The other academic writing tips make little sense if you fail in this. Identify keywords, action verbs, and any specific requirements or limitations. Break the prompt into smaller questions. Seek clarification if anything is unclear. Be ready to reread the prompt multiple times and focus on every key component. Understanding the prompt thoroughly forms the basis of a successful paper.
Actionable tip
Create a checklist based on the requirements in the prompt. Keep referring to the checklist to ensure your paper addresses each point.
2. Start with a clear, specific thesis statement
“A paper without a thesis is like a ship without a rudder—it might move, but it won’t go anywhere meaningful.” – Dr. Gerald Graff & Dr. Cathy Birkenstein in They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (5th ed., 2024)
Professors’ Insight
You should have a clear main argument that provides your readers with a roadmap. This is the most common essay writing advice from professors. Your thesis statement should appear early in your introduction. Ensure it is specific, focused, and takes a clear stance.
Actionable tip
Start by crafting “In this paper, I will argue that (claim), because (reasons/evidence).” Then, refine the statement for smooth integration into the introduction.
3. Research Strategically, Critically Evaluate Sources
“A researcher must be a critic, not just a collector. The best arguments rely on authoritative sources—those vetted by experts, not just the first Google hit.” – Dr. Wayne C. Booth (University of Chicago)
“Don’t just ‘find sources’—interrogate why they matter to your argument.” – Dr. Howard S. Becker in Writing for Social Scientists (3rd ed., 2020)
Professors’ Insight
Do not rush to rely on the first few results from a general search engine. Wikipedia, Google or ChatGPT are not substitutes. Use peer-reviewed journals, academic databases, scholarly books, and reputable institutional websites. Professors want to see credible sources.
Actionable Tip
Learn to use advance search operators in academic databases. Consider using the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) to evaluate each source critically.
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4. Outline Introduction, Body, Conclusion Meticulously Before You Write
“A paper without an outline is like a building without blueprints—it may stand, but it will wobble. Map your introduction, claims, and conclusion before drafting.” – Dr. Joseph M. Williams (University of Chicago)
“Skilled writers don’t just write—they pre-write. A detailed outline of your introduction’s roadmap, body sections, and conclusion saves hours of revision.” – Dr. John C. Bean (Seattle University)
“Before drafting, fill in: ‘They say ___, I say ___, because ___.’ This three-part outline becomes your introduction, body, and conclusion.” – Dr. Gerald Graff & Dr. Cathy Birkenstein
Professors’ Insight
A detailed outline helps organize thoughts, group related ideas, and logical progression of arguments. This pre-writing step saves significant time and frustration in writing the paper.
Actionable Tip
Use Roman numerals for main sections, capital letters for sub-sections, and Arabic numerals for specific examples or evidence. After drafting, ask, “Does this point logically follow from the previous one?” Revise by deleting paragraphs that are not advancing your thesis and move disconnected points to where they should belong to force logical flow.
5. Prioritize Clarity and Conciseness - Write in an Academic Tone (and Avoid Filler)
“Academic writing need not be turgid. Cut prepositional parasites (‘in terms of,’ ‘with regard to’) and say what you mean—clearly.” – Dr. Helen Sword (University of Auckland)
“Omit needless words. Then omit again. If it sounds smart but means nothing, delete it.” – Dr. Joseph M. Williams (University of Chicago)
Professors’ Insight
Every sentence should serve a purpose. Aim for direct and precise language. Academic tone is formal, concise, and evidence-based. Avoid clichés, informal expressions, and vague language. Active voice generally promotes clarity and conciseness over passive voice.
Actionable Tip
After drafting, read your sentences aloud to identify awkward phrasing. Look for opportunities to combine sentences or rephrase unclear expressions. Try to reduce your word count without losing meaning.
6. Master Citation and Referencing Styles
“In academic writing, how you document sources is as important as how you use them. Follow your discipline’s citation system meticulously to build credibility.” – Dr. Diana Hacker
“Consistency in citation is not pedantry; it’s a courtesy to your readers. Apply every rule of your chosen style—even the seemingly trivial ones—with scrupulous care.”- Dr. Kate L. Turabian
Professors’ Insight
Professors expect accurate in-text citations, headers, page numbers, and reference lists. A perfectly formatted paper creates an excellent first impression. Different disciplines use different citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE). Familiarize yourself with the specific style required by your course or institution and pay close attention to detail.
Actionable Tip
Take time to learn your required citation style. Use online citation generators to save time and ensure accuracy.
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7. Use a Balanced Range of Sources
“The best arguments engage opposing views fairly. If you only cite sources that agree with you, you’re not writing—you’re cheerleading.” – Dr. Wayne C. Booth (University of Chicago)
“They say [X], I say [Y]—but a great paper also asks, ‘What might critics of my view say?’ and answers them.“ – Dr. Gerald Graff & Dr. Cathy Birkenstein
“Research isn’t a scavenger hunt for quotes to prop up your thesis. It’s a conversation—and conversations require listening to all sides.” – Dr. Andrea A. Lunsford (Stanford University)
Professors’ Insight
Professors are keen to see multiple viewpoints. Avoid cherry-picking evidence that supports your argument. Acknowledge differing perspectives. Explain why your perspective holds up better.
Actionable Tip
Map the conversation and identify the type of sources to ensure balance. Identify pro sources supporting your claim, con sources to address objections, and nuanced sources to show depth. Engage opposing views fairly. Identify missing perspectives/gaps. Keep revising for balance if some sources dominate.
8. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread for Grammar and Clarity
“Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.” – Dr. William Strunk Jr.
“Grammar isn’t pedantry—it’s clarity. Read your work aloud; if you stumble, so will your reader.” – Dr. Patricia T. O’Conner
Professors’ Insight
Professors expect polished writing. Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing or run-on sentences. Spell checkers may not capture every error. If possible, ask a classmate to review your paper—or work with an academic editor. A fresh pair of eyes often catches what you have missed.
Actionable Tip
Read your paper aloud to catch awkward phrasing and grammatical errors. Consider taking short breaks while proofreading to maintain focus.
9. Ask for Feedback Early and Often
“Students who seek feedback before the final draft learn to revise, not just edit. The best writing grows from conversation, not isolation.” – Dr. Nancy Sommers (Harvard University)
“Require students to submit drafts for feedback, not just final products. A grade on an unrevised paper teaches nothing; feedback on a draft teaches everything.” – Dr. John C. Bean (Seattle University)
Professors’ Insight
Professors and writing centers encourage students to submit drafts, attend office hours, and revise based on feedback. You should take such opportunities seriously. The professors know that the best papers are never written in one sitting. Professors are usually interested in how to improve in academic writing and feedbacks offers you an opportunity to grow. Feedback’s greatest impact comes when sought early, often, strategically, and iteratively, not as a last-minute polish.
Actionable Tip
Seek early input on your outline or thesis before drafting. Share partial drafts and target specific concerns to hear your professors’ feedback. These will help catch problems before you write pages off-topic.
10. Understand and Avoid Plagiarism at All Costs
“When in doubt, cite it. No professor ever penalized a student for over-citing.” – Dr. Charles Lipson (University of Chicago)
“Plagiarism isn’t just ‘stealing’—it’s a failure to join the scholarly conversation. When you patchwrite or paraphrase poorly, you silence the voices you claim to engage.” – Dr. Rebecca Moore Howard (Syracuse University)
Professors’ Insight
Presenting someone else’s ideas, words, or work as your own without proper attribution is a serious academic offense. This is among the most critical academic writing tips you will encounter. It undermines academic integrity. Students should always cite their sources even when summarizing or paraphrasing.
Action Tip
Always credit ideas, not just quotes. If unsure if to cite or not, cite it. Use quotation marks OR paraphrase completely. Ensure you add your analysis to show how the used sources connect.
Final Word: What Professors Really Want
Across disciplines, professors want students who think critically, write clearly, and support claims with credible evidence. Strong academic writing is about more than grammar—it is about ideas. When you write with purpose, clarity, and depth, your professors notice—and reward it.
These ten academic writing tips from professors provide a solid foundation for success in academic writing. By diligently applying these professor-approved writing strategies, you will not only improve your grades but also build better habits for lifelong learning.
We understand that sometimes, despite your best efforts in mastering these academic writing tips, you might need a little extra writing help. Whether you are struggling with a complex research topic, grappling with tight deadlines, or simply aiming for that top-tier grade, ScholarlyWritings.com is here to support you.
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Our commitment to originality, transparency, and academic integrity means you receive unique, well-researched content that adheres to the highest scholarly standards. We are dedicated to helping you succeed by providing resources and support that build your understanding and confidence in academic writing.
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Everlyn M.
Everlyn is a seasoned academic writer and researcher with over 5 years of experience helping students succeed through custom-written essays and research papers. She specializes in guiding students through the complexities of academic writing. When she's not writing, she’s mentoring students on how to craft persuasive, well-structured papers that meet the highest scholarly standards.
Sources
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Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2024). “They say / I say”: The moves that matter in academic writing (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2021). A writer’s reference (10th ed). Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Howard, R. M. (1995). Standing in the shadow of giants: Plagiarists, authors, collaborators. Computers and Composition, 12(1), 9-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/8755-4615(95)90002-0
Lipson, C. (2008). Doing honest work in college: How to prepare citations, avoid plagiarism, and achieve real academic success (2nd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
Lunsford, A. A. (2021). The St. Martin’s handbook (9th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s.
O’Conner, P. T. (2019). Woe is I: The grammarphobe’s guide to better English (4th ed.). Riverhead Books.
Sommers, N. (2013). Responding to student writers. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Strunk, W., Jr., & White, E. B. (2000). The elements of style (4th ed.). Longman.
Sword, H. (2012). Stylish academic writing. Harvard University Press.
Turabian, K. L. (2018). A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations (9th ed.). University of Chicago Press.
Williams, J. M., & Bizup, J. (2017). Style: Lessons in clarity and grace (12th ed.). Pearson.