1. 2 nd person point of view. In other words, do not use “you”, “your”, “you’re”, or “yourself”. About the only way this point of view works is in children’s “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. It is fun, but it is not mature writing. If need be, use the word “one” or “oneself” especially instead of “he/she.”

 Cliches – a cliché is a boring term or expression that is overly common like “They lived happily ever after” or “It was a dark and stormy night” or “Haste makes waste.”  Writing colloquially – You do not want to write in the same way that you speak. It is too casual. An essay should NOT resemble an or text message.

 Unnecessary personal commentary – Expressions like “I think” or “Personally, I believe” or “I feel” or “In my opinion” are redundant, unless the topic of the essay specifically calls for your opinion. I know it is your thoughts because it is your essay; otherwise, you would be quoting someone else.

 The term “a lot” – It is two words. It is also a two cent term (that is a cliché)  The word “may” – when you use it to mean the same thing as “perhaps.” If misused, then this word makes your argument less strong.  Less vs. fewer – The word “less” refers to items that CANNOT count. The word “fewer” refers to items that you CAN count. For example, “Less cookie dough makes fewer cookies.”

 The words “thing” or “stuff.” They are vague, and I do not want to see them. “Aspect” is not much better. “Whatever” is a word that should never be used to describe subjects that you do not bother specifying.  The word “where” when you can say “in which” – For example, “I was having a conversation with a student WHERE we discussed grammar”, should really read, “I was having a conversation with a student IN WHICH we discussed grammar.

 Beginning a sentence with “This” or “That” without restating what you are talking about. For example, “THIS is why I love English class,” should really read “This top ten list is why I love English class.