The most important thing that a non-native needs to know to deal with the common problems of writing essays is to keep it simple. Why is it usually difficult to write essays? The universal answer is: simplicity comes only from mastering what is difficult. Does that mean that as a non-native student you can’t master the art of easy-to-understand essay writing? No! You can make writing essays easy by focusing on the troubles that plague most non-native essay writers.
Grammar
Grammar is one of the most common problems non-natives have when writing an essay. There is no need to have this trouble. All you need to do is to listen to the news every morning no matter how much you don’t want to. You need to hear how people speak on the news and point out the grammar they use. Get quick guides on grammar online and study them over and over. Find apps that help with grammar, even if they are for first graders. That is what you need for now.
Logical Thinking
Logical thinking is a bit of a sore spot for non-native speakers apparently because they have their own logic, not typical of American minded people. You must understand that an essay is broken down in five parts, your intro with thesis, and your three supporting points to the thesis, and your conclusion restating what you just supposedly proved. You need to study that formula and make sure you master that first. Then know that whatever you choose to make a thesis about, make it something you are very familiar with and try to be clear. Make sure that the thing you are writing makes sense. Your statements have to stand to reason in terms of real world. Essay writing is just a reflection of the real world with a little opinion thrown in.
Clear Instructions
Non-native speakers sometimes fail to understand the assignment that is given. Do not be shy about asking teachers questions or anyone until you understand what is being required. It shouldn’t be completely foreign to you, if you have been going to class and paying attention. Just keep focused on the question that is being asked and walk through it step by step so you understand every word and the complete thought as a whole.
Enjoy Essay Writing
Writing gives you time. It is a wonderful thing. As a non-native you have many wonderful thoughts to share in essays. Learning more on what you know and have to offer is just a matter of sharpening some simple skills to allow those thoughts to turn into words. Read American books and articles as much as you can because you need to get how the sentences are formed and visually remember the spelling of words. Most importantly get to the subject matter you are writing about so you can begin to sculpt an essay that your teacher will understand. Remember simplicity is the key: don’t try to make it difficult, in America there is no need for this.
