Common+Writing+Errors

**//Be sure to fix any of these mistakes in your essays before posting them to wiki to be graded! //** 
 * Common Writing Errors **

· ** Using the word “you” – don’t talk about ME; talk about “people” or “one” or “a person;” also, don’t use “we” or “our” – it means the same thing as “you” ** · ** Using contractions (ie – don’t, won’t, couldn’t) – not good for formal writing! **  · ** Using commas too often and creating run-ons; not using commas enough and creating run-ons; putting commas in odd places – you’ve learned the rules, now use them correctly! **  · Using the word “things” – BE SPECIFIC! · The use of rhetorical questions (questions that cannot be answered) · Not specifically elaborating – use DETAILS! · Using apostrophes (or not using them) correctly · Ending sentences with a preposition – a BIG no-no! IE: “Where is my phone at?” – get rid of the at! · Lack of a thesis statement leads to a lack of organization · Lack of a hook or lead means your paper is somewhat boring and dull and is just like everyone else’s · Improper use of they’re, their, and there – look up, learn, and KNOW the difference!!!! · Making negative instead of positive statements – instead of “People do not…” say, “People **//should//**//…”// · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Contradicting yourself – pick one argument or side and stick to it   · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Using statements like “I think” or “I believe” – just state it, and get rid of “I” · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Using prepositions to start every paragraph (ie – In the book…) · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Titles of novels are // italicized //when typing and __underlined__ when handwriting; titles of articles, poems, and short stories are placed in “quotation marks.” · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Cite your quotes properly: <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"> o <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">“The quote goes in quotation marks, and there is no period inside of the quotation marks” (in parentheses first list the ** author’s **last name followed by the page number the quote came from). ß <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> period goes OUTSIDE of the parentheses · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Be sure to answer the prompt!