Advice on writing more eloquently

[Poutine]

Hey all :wave: ,

I'm an English literature student at university and, although I'm hardworking when it comes to studying, I often receive comments on my assignments that I don't sufficiently draw on the resources of language to make my case.

I was wondering if anybody could offer any suggestions as to how to write more eloquently and persuasively in assignments, as I'm concerned that my expression may be taking away from the arguments I formulate during the course of my papers.

It's possible that a lack of specialized vocabulary might play a part in this problem so, if anybody has any vocabulary boosting suggestions, they'd be most welcome, too.

Thanks for reading and looking forward to your responses :)

[Michael T]

:) Hi Poutine. You could perhaps begin by purchasing something like ‘The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory’ to help you to come to terms with literary jargon. I would suggest keeping it with you for all classes and lectures, especially through your first year. It might come in handy when a lecturer uses a term you are not sure of and help you to get more out of lectures! I’m sure there are many study guides that show how to write academic essays. Why not ask one of the librarians in your university library.
Also, why not go to the university library and ask to look at some of the dissertations that previous students have submitted. I think they usually keep dissertations that receive a mark worthy of a 1st (In England anyway!). It could give you some idea of what your lecturers are looking for and give you something to aim at. You should ask fellow students who receive good marks if they wouldn’t mind you taking a look at their essays too. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your lecturers and ask them to be more specific about how you could improve your work.
Other than that, spend as much time as you can in the university library. I mean AS MUCH time as you can in the library! Your first year at university is the perfect time to spend as much time as you can coming to terms with the art of essay writing at degree level. I’m sure as time goes on, and you look back on your early attempts, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much your essay writing skills will have developed.

Good luck. :nod:

[blazeofglory]

I think books will help but as far as I am concerned the best tool for improving writing is writing it self. One should keep on writing engagingly.

[Poutine]

Hi again,

Thanks to you both for your responses. Michael T, yours especially was spot on :) I ordered the book you recommended and it's exactly what I'd been looking for.

Thanks a lot for your help and happy foruming :)

[Buh4Bee]

For vocabulary development, use a thesaurus (sure you do) and keep a list of cool words you like. You may finish you express complicated ideas using repetive phrases. Learn to vary your thoughts. I too have a hard time writing essays and never fully developed my writing. However, writing itself will improve your thought process. It's like training to be a good althlete, except your brain will be doing the work out.

[Veva]

Hi, I had the same problem at high school and then my english teacher suggested that it's probably because I am overdoing the idioms, adjectives and metaphors. Sometimes {and that is something you won't hear very often in this society of capitalism}, sometimes, less is more.... :nod:

[glover7]

Always, always, ALWAYS be careful when relying on a thesaurus. Otherwise you can end up with this scenario:

Original Sentence
It is easy to write like an intellectual

Thesaurus Monster Sentence
The domestic, and simultaneously incestuous, duplication of semantic sequentiality finds itself a passive resignation to the preservability of ease of pedantry and, with reference to the vestiges of diction, reliance on attributive circumlocution.

Not actually taken from a thesaurus, but you get the idea. The second sentence is how I wrote in high school. Again, without a thesaurus, but still, it obfuscates the meaning of your words within the words. An awesome little paradoxical jig, but it has no practical place in a classroom.

My advice to you is not to get a thesaurus, but to read, read, read, read, and then read some more. When you don't know a word in a book, look it up. The way to build vocabulary is to be an active reader, not someone who knows words just for the sake of knowing them.

[blazeofglory]

What I want to share from my experiences is that you must hook yourself to writing engagingly all the time and writing is a big challenge in point of fact and writing for self satisfaction is one thing and writing something so that the reader likes to read your article is quite another and you must of course qualify for writing and to do that you must work terrifically hard

[MANICHAEAN]

Your writing, just like your speech, mannerisms, diet, personality must by definition be influenced by what you absorb around you in your "formative years", whatever they are. Thus Churchill was influenced by the prose of Edward Gibbon. At the other end of the spectrum, writers like Raymond Chandler or Dashell Hammet absorbed the dialogue of the US cop or the street.
My advice would be to read as catholic a range of writers as you can. Reread those you enjoy & absorb their style & vocab into yourself and from this, according to your imagination & sensitivity, your own unique style will evolve.

[Poutine]

Thanks again, all! I appreciate your tips :)

[xtianfriborg13]

More practice!! And read more books both fictional and educational ones!!

[cacian]

Interesting thread because I have just opened a thread on Graphic Writing which I think would contradict eloquancy if there is such a word.
I personally think eloquent is when language is refined and more simpler words are added to intensify a feeling an idea or simply a concept.
I think affinity of language rhymes well with an affinity of thinking where the language is uses charming witty beautiful words.
Eloquent is when one intends to deliver a subject in its clarity by using reflexive words that leaves something to the imagination and induce full attention as well as understanding.