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Time Management Is About More Than Life Hacks

• Erich C. Dierdorff

Your productivity hinges on these three skills.

There is certainly no shortage of advice — books and blogs, hacks and apps — all created to boost time management with a bevy of ready-to-apply tools. Yet, the frustrating reality for individuals trying to improve their time management is that tools alone won’t work. You have to develop your time management skills in three key areas: awareness, arrangement, and adaptation. The author offers evidence-based tactics to improve in all three areas.

Project creep, slipping deadlines, and a to-do list that seems to get longer each day — these experiences are all too common in both life and work. With the New Year’s resolution season upon us, many people are boldly trying to fulfill goals to “manage time better,” “be more productive,” and “focus on what matters.” Development goals like these are indeed important to career success. Look no further than large-scale surveys that routinely find time management skills among the most desired workforce skills, but at the same time among the rarest skills to find.

• Erich C. Dierdorff is a professor of management and entrepreneurship at the Richard H. Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University and is currently an associate editor at  Personnel Psychology.

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10 essay writing life hacks every college student should know.

| April 22, 2019 | 0 responses

As a college student, you are asked to write a lot of papers. It’s just a part of the college experience. But you probably don’t know that there are some life hacks that can help you produce better and stronger writing and save you time and effort as you wade through a sea of essays, research papers, case studies, and other papers that you will be assigned each semester. Let’s take a look at ten life hacks borrowed from a team of professional essay writers at WriteMyPaperHub.com academic writing service. You should know these life hacks to help make college easier and more enjoyable.

• Write early in the morning. This hack probably goes against everything you believe about being a college student, where late nights and all-nighters are standard operating procedure. But it’s scientifically proven that our minds are sharper and we work better in the morning hours than we do late at night. One of the best ways to get your writing up to snuff is to work on it when you are fresh, well-rested, and at your creative peak for the day.
• Take regular breaks. Taking a break after a fixed period of work can help to keep your mind sharp and keep you focused on the end goal. The longer you work without a break, the more likely your mind will start to wander or that you will become bored. The Pomodoro Technique can be an effective strategy. It breaks work down into half-hour segments. You will work 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and then repeat the cycle until you have finished the task.
• Turn off your phone, or at least notifications. Keep your mind focused on your essay by turning off your phone during your work time, or at least turning off notifications. The more you look at your phone, the less you will write, so shutting off distractions will help you to develop your essay more easily. There are apps that can block notifications for timed periods so you can use the Pomodoro Technique and reward yourself with phone breaks.
• Use Wikipedia strategically. Every college student knows that Wikipedia is not an appropriate source for college papers, but did you know that it can lead you to good sources? Every Wikipedia article documents its sources. While Wikipedia may not be appropriate for your paper, those sources are fair game. Use the Wikipedia article for your topic as a quick index of key research for your paper.
• Start with a killer quote. Opening your paper with a quote can lend credibility to your essay, make it seem more interesting, and draw your audience into your paper. As you do research, keep a file of great quotes that you can use to open your essay. Just make sure that the quote you use is relevant to your paper.
• Don’t use two spaces after a period . Show your instructors that you are up to date with in your knowledge of writing conventions. Two spaces after a period used to be standard in the days of typewriters, but it hasn’t been standard for decades. While many high schools taught out of date writing styles from decades-old textbooks, show your instructors that you’re hip to the writing of today by using just one space after a period.
• Don’t skip spaces between paragraphs. Online, it’s standard to skip lines between paragraphs, but in a formal essay, you shouldn’t do that. One paragraph should follow the next with no skipped lines. Instead, indicate a new paragraph by indenting the first line one-half inch or five spaces, depending on the rules of your style guide, such as APA or MLA.
• Use one font in your essay unless absolutely necessary. An essay should look clean and consistent from start to finish. Many students like to make a paper look fancy by using many different fonts and sizes to decorate the page, but a great essay looks best when it is in one font and, generally, in one font size. Only use a second font when absolutely necessary (sometimes, for example, a table or chart needs a sans-serif font) and use different sizes only when your paper’s writing style, such as APA or MLA, requires it.
• Use a screen reader to hear your essay out loud. Listening to your paper can help you to identify errors that you may not be able to see on the page. Google Translate’s speaker function offers a free reader to help you listen to your paper.
• Print a copy of your essay for proofreading. It’s easier to see mistakes on paper than it is on a screen. Even if your paper will be submitted online, use a paper copy to search for proofreading errors.

Tags: writing life hacks

25 life hacks you didn’t know you needed, but do. Probably.

David Pogue outlines 10 computer/smartphone tricks everyone should know, but many don’t, at TED U during TED2013. Photo: Ryan Lash

Watch the talk  — it’s Pogue’s delivery that’s half the brilliance. But below, find a condensed version of the 10 tech basics everyone should know:

• Use the space bar to scroll down a page . Hold the shift key and the space bar at the same time to scroll back up again.
• Tab between boxes on online forms . When there’s a pop-up menu to input details of your state, type the first letter of the state to scroll through options.
• To make web text larger, press control + . Mac users, make that “Command +.”
• Don’t bother with punctuation on your smartphone . Hit the space bar twice for a period and the next letter will be automatically capitalized.
• Hit the call button of your phone to redial the last person you spoke to . No need to go into your contacts.
• Speaking of phones, carriers have keystrokes that let you bypass the “15 seconds of fricking instructions, like we haven’t had answer machines for 45 years.” Sadly, each shortcut is different. “I didn’t say these were going to be perfect,” Pogue allows.
• Use Google as a dictionary by typing “define” followed with the word you want to understand . You can also use it as an FAA database for flight details.
• To highlight a word, don’t drag across it with the mouse . Double click it. And don’t bother deleting text; just type.
• Avoid shutter lag by half pressing down the button of your camera before you take a picture . For folks who still use cameras.
• Press “b” to black out a slide (or “w” to white it out) . And make sure people are paying attention to your wonderful presentation.

So, sure. These tricks help you get the most out of your technology. And what with our recent TED@250 salon on spring cleaning your life , we here at TED Towers have been thinking about neat tricks to streamline other parts of life. So below, I’ve collected some favorite tips from the TED staff for a better, easier existence. It’s true, you might not have even realized some of the things being solved were actually issues, and it’s possible you might be right in suspecting that these are the very essence of “first world problems.” But there it is and, well, here you are: 15 more life hacks you likely had no idea you needed.

• “My father hangs a tennis ball from the garage ceiling so he knows exactly where to park the car so there’s ample walking room on all sides. We later saw this on TV but my father definitely invented it.” — Thu-Huong Ha .
• “You can use a piece of dry spaghetti to light candles that have burned down inside their holder.” — Nick Weinberg .
• “If you have kids, you know two things: 1) they fill reams of paper with “artwork;” and 2) you will be going to a lot of birthday parties. Use their “masterpieces” to wrap presents; it saves money and it’s more personalized.” — Michael McWatters .
• “Empty the dishwasher bottom rack first, so that the puddles of washwater on the top of all your mugs, in the top rack, don’t drip all over your plates on the bottom rack. Don’t even MOVE the top rack until you’ve emptied the bottom rack.” — Emily McManus .
• “A trick I learned from a co-worker just yesterday: Facial cleansing wipes do an amazing job of getting mud off of nice shoes.” —Kate Torgovnick .
• “Lay out all your credit / bank cards from your wallet on the copy machine and email yourself scans of the front and back. That way you have all the card numbers and the 800 numbers for customer service. If your wallet gets stolen (especially when on the road) you have quick access and a way to remember which cards to cancel.” — Gwen Schroeder .
• “Here’s a great one for removing oil stains from anything (including the leather seats of your parents’ car…): generously cover the stained area with flour or cornstarch.  Let it sit for a while and it will miraculously soak up your oil stains.” — Roxanne Hai Lash .
• “Stop using spoons for your coffee. Simply add your stuff (sugar, milk, rum, what-have-you) to your empty coffee mug, then pour your coffee in. It mixes just as well, and you don’t have a dirty spoon left over.” — Michael McWatters .
• “Pour coffee into an ice tray, so you make coffee-flavored cubes that don’t water down your iced coffee.” — Nick Weinberg .
• “Crack an egg on a flat surface, not on the side of a bowl. This minimizes the likelihood of pieces of shell getting into your egg.” — Becky Chung .
• “Use an empty plastic bottle to separate egg yolk from white . My mom does this. It’s pretty awesome.” — Thu-Huong Ha .
• “To call your voicemail from another phone, dial your own number, and when your message picks up, hit # and your password.” — Morton Bast .
• “Change your contact lenses on the first of every month! That way you don’t wear them for eons, which is bad for your vision and for your eyes in the longrun.” —Kate Torgovnick .
• “Every time you use up a household necessity (box of spaghetti, carton of milk, bag of chocolate chips), take a photo of the empty package with your mobile phone. When you’re in the store, just review your photos to see what you need. Delete the photos as you add things to your shopping cart.” — Michael McWatters .
• “Honey and olive oil make a cheap face mask. The acid in the honey removes dead skin cells and brightens. Olive oil moisturizes.” — Becky Chung .
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Writing Prompts

Make Writing A Habit

12 Essay-Writing Hacks from a Professional Editor

As a professional editor, I’ve edited all kinds of documents, not the least of which are essays. I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Look, it’s easy to write a bad essay when it’s due in less than 24 hours (we’ve all been there), but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to write a good essay. To write a good essay, you just have to know what to look for to make weak writing stronger.

Simply looking is the number one job of a professional editor (outside of drinking coffee) because looking leads to discovering —and once you find your errors, improvement is just around the corner.

After editing over a million words, I’ve come to understand what makes a good essay and what makes a bad essay, and I have a few practical tips—essay hacks, if you will—for improving your own essay-writing skills.

1. Befriend your argument.

Make sure you know everything there is to know about your argument. That means you should understand exactly what it is you’re arguing and why. If your argument was an elevator pitch and you had to explain it to someone in just a minute or two, could you? If the answer is “No,” revisit the main point of your essay. Do more research to make sure you know the topic inside and out.

The reason you need to be prepared is that, if there’s any proof that can shoot your argument down, you not only need to shield those bullets but also to ricochet them back. Don’t just know your argument—befriend it. Find out its strengths and its weaknesses.

2. Challenge every idea.

If you have any questions about your topic, subject, or field, ask them as soon as you can. Hitting a snag later can stall progress on your essay, so if you can hit all the major weak points early on, you can avoid finding major flaws in your argument later.

Challenge anything that causes questions to sprout and play the devil’s advocate for your own argument. If you’ve identified these weaknesses before, now is the time to investigate further and begin to clarify anything that might still be fuzzy.

3. Select your sources carefully.

When selecting your sources, be picky. Don’t resort to using online sources just because they’re easily accessible. Try to use all kinds of different sources, but only if they’re current. Don’t pick a dusty old book from the library just to have a print source in your references list.

Choose current and relevant sources from trustworthy or notable scholars in the field. If your proof is questionable, your whole argument will fall apart, so choose your sources like you would an all-star team if you want to knock your essay out of the park.

4. Start writing early.

This is important: make sure you start writing early. Don’t put your essay off until the last minute. Do you know what’s waiting for you at the last minute? Regret and sadness.

Kickstart yourself now so you don’t kick yourself later. If you need to set an early deadline for yourself or split the essay writing into manageable chunks, do it. Just make sure you start early so you have time to solve any problems you run into later.

5. Organize for clarity.

The structure of your essay is every bit as important as the argument itself. If you have a flimsy structure, there’s no firm foundation to build the essay on; if there’s no firm foundation, your essay could collapse at any moment.

Focus on structuring your essay before you start writing. How will you arrange your argument and provide evidence in a cohesive and logical way? It’s better to answer that question earlier rather than later. Use transitions to ensure your argument flows logically from one point to the next.

6. Watch your tense and voice.

First, use the active voice when you write your essay (unless otherwise instructed). Second, avoid personal pronouns to maintain objectivity if need be (e.g., in scientific and other formal writing).

Third, you should write in the literary present, meaning that all actions performed in the text should be explained in the present tense rather than the past.

Finally, avoid using clichés. Since you want to present original thoughts, overused phrases need to be cut.

7. Explain everything clearly.

Any time you make a point, explain it clearly—even if you think it’s obvious. Your argument will be obvious to you (since you’ve befriended it), but it’s brand new to the reader. Your argument is meeting your reader for the first time, and like any new friends, they need introducing. If you fail to introduce them properly, things will get very confusing and awkward.

8. Be succinct.

Sentences should be straightforward, communicating one point at a time; cut all unnecessary words. You’ll also want to eliminate any repetition. It’s easy to say the same things over and over again in an essay, but doing so won’t strengthen your argument.

Cut unnecessary phrases and anything wordy or redundant, including phrases that don’t add information, such as “it should be pointed out that” or “due to the fact that.” Similarly, don’t ramble on about the same topic or go off on a tangent in the middle of your essay.

9. Avoid academese at all costs.

Try to keep things simple. While you shouldn’t talk down to your audience or explain every technical term, you should always be concise. Most importantly, don’t ever use words or phrases that you think will make you sound smarter.

It’s always best to be straightforward, so use the right vocabulary to say exactly what you want to say. It’s embarrassing if you try to use a fancy word only to find it doesn’t mean what you thought it meant .

10. Be aware of your word count.

Don’t go over your word count. Most markers will stop marking at the last word within the word count, so it’s crucial that you stay within it if you want to do well.

However, you also don’t want to stay severely lower than the word count provided. While you shouldn’t pad the essay by adding information that isn’t necessary to your argument or relevant to the topic at hand, you should get as close to the word count as possible by thoroughly exploring your topic and elaborating on your argument.

11. Carefully cite everything.

Unless you want to face a failing grade, academic probation, or even expulsion, you need to cite all of your sources. There are many types of plagiarism, but as long as you take good notes during your research and credit your sources, it’s easy to avoid plagiarism.

Your academic integrity is at stake here, so ensure that you are overly cautious in recording the necessary material. Be vigilant in confirming that you’ve documented everything fully and correctly.

12. Revise extensively.

Every good essay has been revised at least once, which means you, too, should tighten your writing. Comb through and ensure that everything is clear, consistent, and flows well. Once you’re happy with the content of your essay, you can sweat the small stuff, like grammar and spelling errors.

Even brilliant essays receive lower grades if simple mistakes are left in the document, so consider getting a second opinion and having an expert look over your writing for both form and content. At the very least, run a spell and grammar check. You’ll be so happy you did.

Essay writing doesn’t have to be hard. Anyone can write a good essay with the proper tools. These essay hacks are part of your toolkit, which you can use to improve your essay writing. Go from good to great by considering these tips and implementing them when writing your next essay.

If you would prefer a step-by-step guide for essay writing and want to improve your skills once and for all, you might want to think about taking a course to organize and write good essays every time.

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How to Edit an Essay: Life Hacks, Checklist, & An Essay Revision Plan in 5 Steps

🖍️ essay revision plan.

• 📝 Essay Editing Lifehacks

✔️ Essay Revision Checklist

• 🔍 Essay Editing Example

Golden rule: take it slow when you start reviewing your work.

Trying to grasp all the flaws at once is not the best idea for your essay. That is why we have prepared a revision plan for you. Below, we will explain how to revise an essay in five steps.

Step 1 – Go Through the Structure

We recommend starting with the structure. Go from more significant aspects like text composition to smaller ones like vocabulary. Here’s what to check in your structure:

• Make sure the parts of your paper are in the correct order. You should have a clear introduction with a thesis statement at the end, a body, and a concluding paragraph .
• Check if the paragraphs are in a logical sequence. They need to represent the argument in the same order as your thesis.
• Go through body paragraphs. Each one needs only one idea as a primary focus. It should consist of a point, evidence, explanation, and a transition to the next section.
• Define if your conclusion is logical. It should not add any new information. Instead, summarize the main arguments and synthesize the information you have provided.

Step 2 – Check the Grammar

You can revise the grammar yourself or use some online services. However, revision tools sometimes miss some errors due to their automatized systems. So be careful and recheck the text several times.

Here are the mistakes you need to look for:

• Sentence fragments.
• Faulty parallelism.
• Misplaced and dangling modifiers.
• Incorrectly used pronouns.
• Vague pronoun references.

Here is a selection of online editors you can use to simplify your work:

• Free Grammar Checker & Online Spelling Checker – Zoho Writer
• Free Grammar Checker Online – Ginger Software
• Grammar Check – Free Essay Checker | Virtual Writing Tutor
• Free Grammar Checker | Writer

Step 3 – Check the Punctuation

The easiest way to check punctuation quickly is using automatic software tools. After that, you can check the paper yourself to ensure everything is fine.

For example, there is a built-in checker in Microsoft Word and Google Docs. You just have to find red and green underlines in your document and right-click to see suggestions. You can also adjust your grammar settings in the “Proofing” Word option.

We have also prepared some free punctuation checkers:

• Free Online Punctuation Checker | GingerSoftware
• Punctuation Checker – Free Grammar And Punctuation Check!

Step 4 – Review the Vocabulary

It is not easy to find the perfect editing service to review the vocabulary . Most likely, you will have to do it manually.

Use these questions when you proofread your paper:

• Is your narrative pessimistic or optimistic?
• Do you want to sound informal or professional?
• Do you tell the story in the first person?
• Do you need to make your sentences longer or shorter?
• Is the terminology you use appropriate to your writing style?
• Do some words seem too simple or too complicated?

Read our recent article about the most common errors in essays and how to avoid them:

• 23 Common Errors in Writing Essays: Mistakes to Avoid

Step 5 – Check the Formatting

First of all, make sure your text has the correct type of formatting. Check your instructor’s requirements on this matter. If you already cited your sources with a particular style, ensure you followed all the rules. The common ones are MLA, APA, and Chicago.

If you have submitted any works with the same citation style, just compare the two works. You can also ask some of your college’s students to provide you with a reference.

📝 Essay Life Hacks for Professional Editing

Below are things you need to know regardless you check the text yourself or let the robot do it for you. We will show you how to revise and edit an essay. Below, you will find some study tips and editing techniques to make you more productive.

Common Essay Editing Life Hacks

Pro essay editing life hacks.

• The paper answers all the questions mentioned in the writing prompt.
• You have not exceeded the word count, and there are enough words.
• Your structure is logical : paragraphs are in the proper order.
• Each section presents a different statement .
• There are smooth transitions between paragraphs.
• You have answered the research question stated at the beginning.
• Your conclusion summarizes all the essential information you have introduced.
• You have checked your grammar and spelling with automatic software.
• You focused on one type of mistake each time you re-read your paper.
• Your writing style is appropriate to your essay’s academic goals and audience.
• You have tried several tricks to see your writing from different angles.
• Your citations are in order, and each source is in the reference list.
• You have followed the formatting style instructions.

🔍 How to Edit an Essay – Example

It is important to not only know the basic concepts of writing practices taught but to also understand and have explicit knowledge of how it is used. Success in writing calls for a student to have collaboration between writing specialists and discuss appropriate steps in improving the students' ability of academic writing. Tacit knowledge is very helpful concept for students to know. It is not enough to teach this concept by transmission but one should know it in actions and words. Sharing tacit knowledge through words is commonly associated with tacit knowledge overt. This is because we might know more than we can tell , thus knowledge is ever wholly impersonal or wholly expressible in words.

When writing, it is important to know the value of the transmission of information. There can be differences in meanings of identical concepts. Writing process involves referencing to and translation from articles written in foreign languages. Terms in one language may not have the same meaning in other languages. It is therefore important to learn all the nuances of writing and its purpose. Writing skills are one of the beneficial strengths a person can acquire in life.

Edited Version

Below, we provide an edited version of the text. Pay attention to how we've corrected errors: grammar, punctuation, and stylistic flaws. Some of the most significant ones are marked. Read both texts attentively to see the overall difference.

It is crucial to know the basic concepts of writing practices, understand and have explicit knowledge of how they are used. A student should collaborate with writing specialists and discuss appropriate steps to improve their academic writing ability to succeed in writing. Tacit knowledge is a beneficial concept for students to know. It is not sufficient to teach this concept in theory. One should practice it in actions. Sharing tacit knowledge through words is commonly associated with overt tacit knowledge. We might know more than we can express. Thus, knowledge is either totally impersonal or expressible in terms.

When writing, it is also essential to know the value of the information transmission. There can be differences in the meanings of identical concepts. The writing process involves referring to and translating articles written in foreign languages. Terms in one language may not have the same meaning in other languages. It is therefore vital to learn the complexity of writing and its purposes. Writing skills is a beneficial strength a person can acquire in life.

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

14 Essay Hacks That Will Make Writing an Essay a Breeze

Essay hacks can make the process of writing a great essay just that little bit easier.

Here are some tried-and-tested tricks and hacks that will help you write a grade-A paper.

14 Brilliant Essay Hacks

1) use wikipedia… but smartly.

Our online essay editors will be quick to tell you that Wikipedia isn’t exactly the most reliable or credible source for essay material. However, if you’re a bit smart about it, you can use Wikipedia to get great results.

The hack is to use Wikipedia to find useful sources as opposed to citing it as a source in itself.

Let’s say you’re writing an essay on Kant’s Theory of Freedom. Simply perform a search on the Philosophy of Freedom on Wikipedia and scroll down to the bottom. You’ll be presented with a ton of relevant sources you can then target in your research. Suddenly, finding useful sources became so much easier!

2) Use Google Scholar

Don’t use the standard Google browser for your academic work and essays; use Google Scholar instead.

Google Scholar is an index of scholarly and peer-reviewed publications. By using the Google Scholar search engine, you limit the search results to academic works and, as such, avoid reams of irrelevant or unreliable sources.

Unfortunately, many of the articles that are indexed on Google Scholar are not free to access; however, it can help you find the titles of articles and papers that will be useful for your essay, and you can subsequently look them up in your university library.

3) Conduct Backward Searches

So now you’ve got with the program and are using Google Scholar instead of the standard Google search engine, you can exploit this essay hack to its maximum potential by using the backward search function.

Let’s say we’re writing an essay on the theme of time in Romeo and Juliet.

Simply perform a search on the topic of interest, “theme of time in Romeo and Juliet,” and you’ll be presented with a list of clickable links you can reference to find content and articles that have cited that source.

This provides a really useful way of finding sources that have been used for similar research purposes to your own, which can be useful for two main reasons. First, it can help you find additional information sources. Second, it can give you confidence that a given source is relevant to your paper.

4) Use Google Scholar’s Cite Function

So, we’ve already established that Google Scholar is a great search engine for finding useful information sources for your paper. But did you know you can also use it to help you compile your bibliography?

Simply click on the cite button (currently denoted by double quotation marks) that appears below the listing you want to add to your bibliography, and a new window will open with a range of citation options.

Choose the style guide you wish to follow, and the correct citation format will be generated for you. You can then copy and paste this into your reference page.

5) Manage Your Time Using the Pomodoro Technique

Don’t attempt to write a full paper in one sitting. In addition to being incredibly mind-numbing, focusing on one task for a long time without taking a break will lead to poor output.

Set a timer for 25-minutes. Once that point is reached, take a five-minute break from your computer or reading to stretch your legs, get something to drink, use the bathroom, or fix yourself a snack.

After five minutes, get back to work for a further 25 minutes.

Rinse and repeat until your essay is finished.

6) Nail the Introduction

The introduction is quite possibly the most important paragraph in your entire essay.

If you get that right, you’ll be a long way toward your goal of writing a great essay.

For practical tips to help you master the fine art of the introduction, check out our guide to writing an introduction .

7) Remove Distractions

If you’re easily distracted by applications such as Facebook and Instagram, try using an app that will prevent you from accessing the sites you regularly waste time on so you can concentrate on your paper. ColdTurkey (for Windows) and SelfControl (for Mac) will block the websites you list so all distractions are automatically removed.

8) Nail the Thesis Statement

If you want to write an essay that impresses, make sure you write a succinct and compelling thesis statement. Check out our guide to writing a thesis statement for further information.

9) Work in the Cloud

There’s nothing worse than your computer breaking hours before a deadline or a power cut, meaning you suddenly lose all your work. Work in the cloud using applications such as Google Office Docs 365 or iCloud and you’ll never have to run the risk of suddenly losing all your work again. What’s more, using a mobile device, you can work from anywhere in the world at any time.

10) Make Zotero Your Best Friend

If you’re a student, Zotero could well be the best essay hack you’ll ever discover. You can use it as a Firefox plugin to find and store references or as a Word plugin that automatically interacts with all the information you have saved in Firefox to insert automatic citations in your paper at the click of button. Another click, and Zotero will even create your bibliography for you. Referencing and citations simply couldn’t get any easier.

11) Use Evernote to Keep Track of Things

If you’re writing a large essay or performing an extensive study for your dissertation or thesis, you can use Evernote to take ongoing notes, keep track of your diary, and store important articles that you may want to access at a later date. The app automatically updates on an ongoing basis, so everything you write will be stored in the cloud. What’s more, as Evernote automatically syncs the stored content across your devices, you can quickly and easily pick up where you left off, even if it’s on a different computer.

12) Avoid Meaningless Words

If you want to ensure your essay reads well and comes across as scholarly and succinct, make sure you avoid using meaningless words in your paper. Check out our guide to words you shouldn’t use in an essay .

13) Talk, Don’t Type

If your typing skills are not quite up to the mark, Dragon voice recognition software can help you to efficiently translate your thoughts into text. Simply dictate the words you want to use, and they will be translated into text-based language. Dragon can be particularly useful when you want to quickly and easily get your thoughts down in text form.

14) Ask Someone to Peer Edit Your Paper

When you have spent hours working on an essay, you may no longer be able to see the wood for the trees. That’s where peer editing can come in handy. Ask a friend or family member to peer edit your essay and he or she will be able to spot any errors you’ve missed, provide constructive feedback on how it can be improved, and even point out any areas you haven’t taken into consideration.

Got any useful essay hacks to share? Leave a comment and let us know.

2 thoughts on “14 Essay Hacks That Will Make Writing an Essay a Breeze”

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Essay Writing Hacks

December 12, 2016

Time Management Hacks

Effective time management is crucial when it comes to essay writing. With proper planning and organization, you can ensure that you make the most of your time and produce high-quality work. One useful hack is to create a schedule or timetable specifically dedicated to your essay writing tasks. Break down the process into manageable chunks, setting aside specific time slots for researching, outlining, drafting, revising, and proofreading. By allocating time for each stage, you can stay focused and avoid procrastination. It’s also helpful to eliminate distractions during dedicated writing sessions by turning off notifications or finding a quiet workspace. Additionally, consider using productivity tools or techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to enhance your efficiency. By implementing these time management hacks, you can maximize your productivity and produce well-crafted essays within deadlines.

Research and Organization Hacks

Research and organization are key components of successful essay writing. These hacks can help you optimize your research and use your findings to create a well-structured cohesive essay:

• Start with a brainstorming session to map out your ideas and identify your main argument.
• Take advantage of online databases, libraries and other resources to gather research materials.
• Use note-taking techniques such as bullet points or mind maps to organize your research and keep track of references.
• Categorize your research into subtopics or themes, which will help you see where there are gaps or overlaps in your research.
• Use headings or subheadings to organize your essay structure, which will ensure your argument flows logically.
• Draft an outline to document each of your key sections, which will help you stay on topic and within word limits.
• As you write, refer to your research notes and aim to include evidence to support your argument.
• Use effective referencing tools like citation generators to ensure you cite your sources correctly and avoid plagiarism.

By using these research and organization hacks, you’ll have all the information and structure you need to craft a compelling and coherent essay.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Writer’s block can be a frustrating obstacle when trying to write an essay. To overcome this challenge, consider the following hacks:

• Take a break: Step away from your writing and engage in a different activity. This change in scenery can refresh your mind and spark new ideas.
• Freewriting: Start writing without worrying about grammar or structure. Just let your thoughts flow onto the page. This can help break through mental blocks and generate new ideas.
• Mind mapping: Use a visual tool like a mind map to brainstorm and organize your thoughts. Start with a central concept and branch out to explore related ideas and arguments.
• Change your environment: Sometimes a change in location can stimulate creativity. Try writing in a different place like a café, library, or park.
• Seek inspiration: Read books, articles, or essays related to your topic to gain new insights and inspiration for your own writing.
• Set attainable goals: Break your essay into manageable chunks and set small, achievable goals. Celebrating each milestone can boost motivation and help you overcome writer’s block.
• Talk it out: Discuss your ideas with friends, classmates, or professors. Verbalizing your thoughts can provide clarity and generate new perspectives.
• Write without editing: Give yourself permission to write a terrible first draft. Focus on getting your ideas down without worrying about perfection.

By implementing these hacks, you can overcome writer’s block and find yourself back on track to completing your essay.

Drafting and Revising Hacks

Drafting and revising are fundamental steps when writing an essay. Here are some hacks to help you make the most of these stages:

• Start with the body: Focus on developing your argument and main points. The introduction and conclusion can be drafted later.
• Avoid perfectionism: Keep in mind that your first draft is not supposed to be perfect. Focus on getting your ideas down onto paper.
• Cut the clutter: Eliminate unnecessary phrases and sentences, which can distract from your main argument.
• Use active voice: Write in the present tense using active voice. This can make your writing sound more direct, concise, and engaging.
• Take a break: Allow time to distance yourself from your writing. This can help you see the essay with a fresh perspective.
• Get feedback: Seek external feedback from friends, family, or peer review groups. Their insights can help you identify areas to improve.
• Check for coherence: Ensure there is a clear connection between each section of your essay and that your argument flows logically.
• Edit for grammar and punctuation: Use grammar checkers and style guides to double-check your writing for accuracy.

By using these drafting and revising hacks, you’ll be able to produce a well-developed, coherent essay that is clear and concise.

Enhancing your writing skills

Enhancing your writing skills is crucial for creating high-quality essays. Here are some effective hacks to improve your writing prowess:

• Read widely: Expand your reading to various genres and styles to expose yourself to different writing techniques and styles. This helps you develop a strong command of language and enhances your vocabulary.
• Practice freewriting: Set aside time for regular freewriting sessions. This exercise allows you to write without constraints, fostering creativity and improving your ability to express your thoughts fluidly.
• Study grammar and punctuation: Brush up on grammar rules and punctuation marks to ensure your writing is clear and error-free. Refer to grammar guides or online resources to enhance your understanding.
• Use active voice and varied sentence structures: Opt for active voice as it adds clarity and dynamism to your writing. Additionally, vary your sentence structures—mix simple, compound, and complex sentences—to create a rhythm and engage your readers.
• Utilize descriptive language: Work on enhancing your descriptive writing skills by incorporating sensory details, vivid imagery, and figurative language. This brings your essays to life and engages your readers on a deeper level.
• Edit and revise: Always take the time to edit and revise your essays. This allows you to refine your ideas, eliminate unnecessary words, improve sentence structure, and ensure coherence throughout your work.

By incorporating these writing hacks into your routine, you’ll gradually improve your writing skills and produce more compelling and impactful essays.

Utilizing Technology for Efficient Essay Writing

Technology has made essay writing more convenient and efficient. Here are some hacks that can help you utilize technology for a productive writing session:

• Use online tools: Make use of online research tools like Google Scholar, online databases, and academic search engines to discover reliable sources quickly.
• Take advantage of apps: Use writing apps like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor to improve your writing, avoid grammar and spelling errors, and refine your writing style.
• Organize your research: Utilize note-taking applications like Evernote or OneNote to organize research materials and create digital notebooks that you can easily search and access.
• Leverage productivity tools: Use productivity tools like Trello for task organization or Pomodoro technique apps for time management and increased focus.
• Back up your work: Avoid losing your work due to device disruptions or crashes. Use cloud-based storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to store your documents and always have access to them.
• Collaborate efficiently: Use collaborative writing tools like Google Docs to share your documents with others, allow for real-time collaborative editing, and track changes in the document.
• Use citation tools: Use citation software like Zotero or Mendeley for efficient citation management, allowing you to easily create accurate bibliographies and citations.

By utilizing these technology hacks, you can streamline your work and be more productive during your essay writing sessions.

Editing and Proofreading Hacks

Editing and proofreading are critical steps when writing an essay. Here are some effective hacks to help you refine and polish your work:

• Take a break: Allow yourself time to distance yourself from your essay, then come back with a fresh perspective. This will help you catch previously missed errors and improve the flow of your writing.
• Read out loud: Reading your essay out loud can help you hear the errors or awkward phrasings in your writing. You can also listen to natural flow and rhythm in your essay.
• Seek a second opinion: Ask a peer, family member, or professional editor to review your work. External feedback helps point out errors and provides suggestions for improvement.
• Use grammar and spell-checking software: Utilize software like Grammarly or Spellcheckplus to scan your essay for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Pay attention to the suggestions the software offers and make judgments about each suggestion.
• Keep word choice simple: Avoid using cumbersome language in your essay. Long sentences, vague or repetitive phrases, or jargon should be eliminated wherever possible.
• Check formatting and citations: Ensure that your essay follows the appropriate formatting style required for your assignment and that your citations are accurate and valid.

By following these editing and proofreading hacks, you can make sure your essay is error-free and refined, ensuring your readers have a positive and engaging experience.

Citations and Referencing Hacks

Citations and referencing are crucial aspects of essay writing, as they give credit to the original sources of information and lend credibility to your work. Here are some hacks to help you master citations and referencing:

• Understand the citation style: Familiarize yourself with the specific citation style required for your essay, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago style. Refer to style guides or online resources to understand the formatting requirements for in-text citations and reference lists.
• Use citation generators: Take advantage of citation generators like EasyBib, BibMe, or Citationsy. These tools can generate accurate citations by simply inputting the necessary information about the source.
• Double-check your sources: Ensure that the sources you use are reliable and credible. Verify the author’s credentials, publication date, and the reputation of the publishing platform or journal.
• Keep a record of sources: Maintain a bibliography or reference list throughout your research process. This will save you time later when you have to compile the final reference list for your essay.
• Use reference management software: Consider utilizing reference management tools like EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero. These tools help you organize your sources, create citations, and automatically generate reference lists according to the preferred citation style.
• Follow the correct citation format: Be consistent in your citation style throughout your essay. Pay attention to details such as capitalization, italics, and punctuation while formatting the citations.

By following these citation and referencing hacks, you can ensure that your essay is properly cited, avoiding plagiarism and demonstrating your academic integrity.

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