Essay writing is a very important academic skill and most students find it difficult to master. In high school or university, writing a strong, well composed essay may or may not break or make your success. Even the most brilliant students make mistakes in essay that are either grammatical, pointless arguments or ill-constructed in some form and lose marks and even get frustrated.
We will discuss 10 mistakes that students usually make in essay writing in this article, and demonstrate how to avoid them. These are not tips on how to fix grammar or add sources, but on how to write more intelligently and more productively. This is a very useful guide in polishing up any piece of work no matter whether you are writing a persuasive essay or your research paper or your personal statement.
At the end, you will know not only what to avoid but also how to write papers that your professor will be impressed with, as well as how to get better grades.
1. Mistakes in Essay Structure: No Clear Thesis Statement
Avoiding setting out a clear thesis statement is one of the greatest essay writing errors. The thesis is the strongest part of your essay it gives the reader an idea of what to expect and also the tone of your argument.
Definition (Featured Snippet Ready):
Thesis statement is a brief sentence that very definitely states the central idea or argument in an essay. It directs the way you write composing.
Tips to Fix:
- Place your thesis at the end of the introduction.
- Make it specific and arguable.
- Avoid vague or broad statements.
2. Disorganized Paragraphs and Essay Layout
Without appropriate structure, an essay becomes confusing to the reader and the argument becomes weak. A lot of students forget to structure their ideas in a logical way.
Common Mistakes in essay structure:
- No clear introduction or conclusion
- Paragraphs without topic sentences
- Lack of transitions between ideas
Essay Structure Checklist:
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Presents the topic and thesis |
| Body Paragraphs | Develops arguments with evidence |
| Conclusion | Summarizes and reinforces the main points |
3. Overusing Passive Voice
Your essay may sound boring and personality-free by writing in the passive voice. It is not necessarily bad, but its excessive use makes your writing weak.
Example:
- Passive: The book was read by the student.
- Active: The student read the book.
Fix It: Use active voice to create stronger, more engaging sentences.
4. Ignoring the Essay Prompt
A lot of students write highly and on a different topic. The failure to respond directly to the essay prompt is a very expensive error.
How to Stay on Track:
- Highlight keywords in the question.
- Revisit the prompt after each paragraph.
- Use the prompt to shape your thesis and structure.
Pro Tip: Break the prompt into parts and make sure each is addressed.
5. Insufficient Evidence and Examples
An unsubstantiated argument is a mere opinion. Students do not provide evidence to substantiate their statements by giving specific examples, facts or references.
How to Improve:
- Use statistics, quotes, and real-world examples.
- Cite academic sources (use scribber for citation help).
- Explain how each piece of evidence supports your point.
6. Poor Grammar and Punctuation
Grammar issues can make your essay hard to read and appear unpolished.
Common Grammar Mistakes:
- Run-on sentences
- Subject-verb disagreement
- Misplaced modifiers
- Comma splices
Tools to Help:
- Grammarly or Hemingway Editor
- Proofread aloud
- Ask a peer or tutor to review
7. Plagiarism and Citation Errors
Intentional or not, plagiarism is a serious academic offense. Most students neglect to reference sources and/or paraphrase appropriately.
Avoid Plagiarism By:
- Citing all sources (APA, MLA, or Chicago style)
- Using plagiarism checkers
- Paraphrasing in your own words
We can also check plagiarism from plagiarism checker like Turnitin or Grammarly.
8. Using Informal or Overly Complex Language
Essays should be clear and academic—not a place for texting slang or overly complicated vocabulary.
Avoid:
- Colloquialisms (“gonna”, “cool”, “a lot”)
- Jargon unless defined
- Thesaurus overload (big words ≠ better writing)
Better Approach: Write as if explaining to an intelligent, unfamiliar reader.
9. Failing to Edit and Proofread
Rushed essays often contain careless mistakes. Never submit your first draft.
Editing Checklist:
- Does the essay flow logically?
- Are there grammar or spelling mistakes?
- Is the thesis supported throughout?
- Are citations correct?
Pro Tip: Take a break before proofreading to spot mistakes with fresh eyes.
10. Missing a Strong Conclusion
Many students end essays abruptly, without reinforcing their argument or leaving a lasting impression.
A Good Conclusion Should:
- Restate the thesis (in new words)
- Summarize main points
- Offer a final insight or call to action
Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.
FAQs – People Also Ask
What is the most common mistake in student essays?
The most common mistake is lacking a clear thesis statement, which causes confusion and weakens the entire essay’s structure.
How can I avoid grammar mistakes in essays?
Use grammar-checking tools like Grammarly, proofread carefully, and review common grammar rules.
Why do students lose marks in essays?
Students often lose marks due to poor structure, lack of evidence, grammatical errors, and failing to follow the prompt.
Is using AI to write essays considered plagiarism?
If not properly cited or if used to bypass original work, yes—it may be considered academic dishonesty. Always follow your institution’s guidelines.
How do I improve my essay writing skills?
Practice regularly, study good essay examples, get feedback, and learn from your mistakes.
Conclusion
Writing a great essay isn’t about being perfect—it’s about avoiding common mistakes and continuously improving. From weak thesis statements to grammar slips and poor editing, these errors can seriously impact your grade. But the good news is: once you know what to look for, they’re easy to fix.
By being mindful of the 10 common mistakes students make in essays, you’ll write clearer, stronger, and more impactful academic papers. Don’t just write to finish—write to impress.
Bonus: Quick Comparison Table – Good vs. Poor Essay Practices
| Element | Poor Practice | Good Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | Vague or missing | Clear and specific |
| Structure | Disorganized, no flow | Logical, with transitions |
| Language | Slang, overly complex, or dull | Clear, academic, engaging |
| Evidence | Lacking or irrelevant | Strong and well-integrated |
| Editing | None or last-minute | Multiple rounds with feedback |
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