Tips on writing Statement Of Purpose
Tips for better writing :
1. Express yourself in
positive language. Say what is, not what is not.
2. Use transitions
between paragraphs. Transitions tie one paragraph to the next.
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A transition can be a word, like later, furthermore,
additionally, or moreover; a phrase like After this incident...;
or an entire sentence.
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If you are writing about Topic A and now want to
discuss Topic B, you can begin the new paragraph with a transition
such as "Like (or unlike) Topic A, Topic B..."
3. Vary your sentence
structure. It's boring to see subject, verb, object all the time.
Mix simple, complex, and compound sentences.
4. Understand the words
you write. You write to communicate, not to impress the admissions
staff with your vocabulary. When you choose a word that means
something other than what you intend, you neither communicate nor
impress. You do convey the wrong message or convince the
admissions officer that you are inarticulate.
5. Look up synonyms in a
thesaurus when you use the same word repeatedly. After the DELETE
key, the thesaurus is your best friend. As long as you follow Tip
4, using one will make your writing more interesting.
6. Be succinct. Compare:
-
During my sophomore and junior years, there was
significant development of my maturity and markedly improved
self-discipline towards school work.
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During my sophomore and junior years, I matured and
my self-discipline improved tremendously.
The first example takes
many more words to give the same information. The admissions
officers are swamped; they do not want to spend more time than
necessary reading your essay. Say what you have to say in as few
words as possible. Tips 7, 8, and 9 will help you to implement
this suggestion.
7. Make every word count.
Do not repeat yourself. Each sentence and every word should state
something new.
8. Avoid qualifiers such
as rather, quite, somewhat, probably, possibly, etc.
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You might improve your writing somewhat if you
sometimes try to follow this suggestion.
The example contains
nonsense. Deleting unnecessary qualifiers will strengthen your
writing 1000%. Equivocating reveals a lack of confidence. If you
do not believe what you write, why should the admissions officer?
9. Use the active voice.
Compare:
-
The application was sent by the student. (Passive voice)
-
The student sent the application. (Active voice)
They both communicate
the same information. The active voice, however, is more concise;
it specifies who is performing the action and what is the object.
The passive voice is wordier and frequently less clear.
10. Read and reread
Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White.
Containing basic rules of grammar, punctuation, composition, and
style, this indispensable classic is available in paperback and is
only eighty-five pages long.
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