A review of common college student writing flaws --
including little evidence of understanding the topic.
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., and Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.
Little Evidence of Understanding Topic.
This writing flaw most frequently results when the professor assigns the topic.
Since it's not a topic you developed on your own, there's a greater margin of error
for understanding how the professor wants you to explore it. What's the best way
to make sure you understand what the professor wants before you start? Ask the
professor. Don't be afraid of sounding dumb in soliciting more information
about the paper specifics. If, after meeting with the professor you still feel a
bit confused, ask if the professor is willing to review a draft of your paper to
make certain you are on the right path.
Of course, sometimes you can also display poor understanding of a topic you
have chosen yourself -- or you can fail to demonstrate how the topic relates to
the course content. It's important to both feel comfortable with the topic you've
developed as well as the process for finding enough research material to help
you understand the topic better -- and to prove to your professor that you
understand the topic.
Remember, when in doubt about the topic or finding enough sources for your
topic, ask your professor for guidance.
Go to the next common college student writing flaw:
Poor Punctuation.
Back to the main page of
The Top
15 Writing Flaws That Can Lead to Lower Grades
Looking for more writing assistance? Go to our sister site,
EnhanceMyWriting.com: Indispensable Writing Resources.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information
(definitions and links) on key academic terms by going to our
College Success Glossary. [Coming soon!]
Dr. Randall S. Hansen, CEO of EmpoweringSites.com, has been empowering people his
entire adult life -- to help them better their lives. In fact, empowerment is part of his professional
philosophy statement. He is also founder of
Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most
comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well as founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press
as well as a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds
of articles. He's often quoted in the media and conducts
empowering workshops around the country. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the
college level for more than 15 years.
Dr. Katharine Hansen, Creative Director of EmpoweringSites.com,
is a former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for several of our sites, including
Quintessential Careers,
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com, and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. She also edits
QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for job-seekers,
career counselors, and students. She is author of Dynamic Cover Letter for New Graduates; A Foot in the Door: Networking Your
Way into the Hidden Job Market; and, with Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Dynamic Cover Letters
and Write Your Way to a Higher GPA, all published by Ten Speed Press.
She can be reached by e-mail at kathy@quintcareers.com.
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