Many people in Singapore find composition writing challenging, whether for school, work, or personal projects.
The good news? Writing well isn’t just about natural talent — it’s about knowing the right strategies. If you’ve ever wondered how to improve English composition writing, the answer lies in building skills step by step.
With a clear approach, you can make your writing sharper, more persuasive, and easier to read. In this guide, we’ll share 25 practical tips you can start using right away to express yourself with confidence and clarity, no matter the audience or purpose.
1. Break Down The Question Before Writing
Before you even put pen to paper, the smartest move is to slow down and truly understand what the question is asking. This is often called unpacking the prompt. Too many students rush into writing, only to realise halfway through that they’ve gone off-topic.
Start by identifying keywords — the topic or subject you’re being asked to write about — and command words like “describe”, “argue”, “compare”, or “explain”.
Command words tell you how to approach the topic. For example, “describe” means giving details about what something looks, feels, or sounds like, while “argue” means presenting points for and against a position before coming to a conclusion.
Breaking down the question prevents the costly mistake of drifting away from the task. For example, if the question is:
“Describe a time when you helped a stranger, and explain what you learnt from the experience.”
Breaking it down looks like this:
- Topic: A time when you helped a stranger
- Action 1: Describe the event in detail (setting, people, actions)
- Action 2: Explain what you learnt (lesson or personal growth)
When you unpack the prompt like this, you’re already halfway towards a focused and relevant composition.
2. Highlight All Required Points In The Question
Once you’ve broken down the question, take it a step further — physically highlight or underline every part of it. This creates a built-in checklist to make sure you cover all the points.
Many composition questions have multiple components hidden inside one sentence. A question might say:
“Discuss the causes and effects of excessive screen time among teenagers.”
Here, there are two distinct tasks:
- Causes – Why it happens
- Effects – What it leads to
If you only write about the causes, you’re leaving half the question unanswered — and losing easy marks. By highlighting or underlining each part of the question, you can tick them off as you write, ensuring you don’t miss anything.
It’s a simple habit, but it’s powerful. Examiners reward students who address all parts of a question. Don’t let easy marks slip away just because you overlooked a small instruction.
3. Match Tone And Style To The Task

Even if your grammar is perfect, your writing can fall flat if the tone doesn’t match the task. This is where the PAC model — Purpose, Audience, Context — becomes your best friend.
- Purpose: Why are you writing? Is it to persuade, inform, describe, or entertain?
- Audience: Who will read it? Your teacher, the public, your peers, or an authority figure?
- Context: What situation are you writing in? An exam, a blog post, a formal report?
Your tone changes depending on these factors. For example:
- Writing an email to your school principal about a safety concern? Use a formal tone — no slang, clear structure, polite phrasing.
- Writing a blog post for your classmates about your favourite food spots? An informal tone works — conversational, light-hearted, and engaging.
Matching the tone to the task makes your writing feel natural and convincing. If the style is too casual for a formal letter, or too stiff for a personal story, your message may not come across as intended. Always check your PAC before you begin — it’s like setting the right “voice” for your writing.
4. Plan Ideas Before Writing
Many students believe planning is a waste of precious exam time — but the truth is, it’s a time-saver in disguise. Without a plan, you risk running out of ideas halfway through, repeating yourself, or ending with a messy, unfocused composition.
A quick outline acts like scaffolding for your writing: once it’s in place, you can build confidently without worrying about the whole thing collapsing.
A plan doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it can be as simple as:
- Bullet points: List out your main ideas in order, with one or two sub-points under each.
- Mind maps: Start with the main topic in the centre, then branch out into related ideas or examples.
For example, if the topic is “The importance of teamwork”, your bullet list might look like:
- Introduction – define teamwork and why it matters
- Body Paragraph 1 – example from sports
- Body Paragraph 2 – example from school project
- Body Paragraph 3 – benefits beyond school (e.g., workplace)
- Conclusion – summarise and reinforce value of teamwork
A good plan is like a roadmap — it guides you from the starting point to your final destination without unnecessary detours. And just like any journey, having a map means fewer wrong turns and less time wasted.
5. Keep Purpose In Mind Throughout
Once you’ve started writing, it’s easy to get distracted by an interesting side story or a clever phrase that doesn’t quite fit. That’s why you need to keep your purpose front and centre from the first line to the last.
Your purpose is the core reason you’re writing — to persuade, inform, describe, or narrate. Every sentence should work towards this goal. A simple way to stay on track is to ask yourself as you write:
“Does this point support my main argument or message?”
If the answer is “no”, it’s a sign to cut it or rephrase it so it ties in better. For example, if your purpose is to persuade readers to recycle more, a lengthy tangent about your weekend plans won’t help — it actually weakens your argument by pulling focus away from the main message.
Keeping your purpose in mind also ensures your composition feels cohesive. The reader will sense a clear direction, and your points will build logically towards your intended outcome, whether that’s to change someone’s opinion, teach them something new, or tell a memorable story.
6. Use A Clear Introduction–Body–Conclusion Structure

When in doubt, stick to the classic Introduction–Body–Conclusion structure. It’s a tried-and-tested format that works for almost every type of composition because it’s logical, easy to follow, and comfortable for the reader.
Here’s how it works:
- Introduction – Hook your reader with something engaging: a question, a surprising fact, or a short, vivid description. Briefly state what your composition will be about.
- Body – This is where you develop your points, one paragraph at a time. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, supported by examples, explanations, or evidence. Use linking words to make the flow smooth.
- Conclusion – Wrap up by summarising your key points and reinforcing your main message. End with a strong final line — something thought-provoking or impactful.
A simple template you can follow:
- Intro: Hook + main topic/thesis statement
- Body Paragraph 1: First point + supporting detail/example
- Body Paragraph 2: Second point + supporting detail/example
- Body Paragraph 3: Third point + supporting detail/example
- Conclusion: Summarise + final thought
This structure works because it mirrors how we naturally process information: we want to know what’s coming (intro), see the evidence or story unfold (body), and then have everything tied together neatly (conclusion).
A well-structured essay makes a strong impression — and it makes the examiner’s job easier, which is always a bonus.
7. Write Introduction Last
This might sound backwards, but many experienced writers — from journalists to novelists — swear by writing the introduction after the main body. Why? Because by the time you’ve finished writing your core arguments or narrative, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you’re actually introducing.
When you start with the introduction, you’re guessing at what the rest of your composition will look like. This can lead to an opening that doesn’t quite match the tone or focus of your final draft. Writing it last allows you to craft a thesis statement or opening line that perfectly captures the essence of your piece.
There’s also a practical benefit: it reduces pressure. Many writers spend far too long staring at a blank page, trying to create the “perfect” first sentence before anything else.
By skipping straight to the body, you can build momentum without that stress. Then, when you return to the introduction later, you can frame it with confidence, knowing exactly where your composition is headed.
8. Ensure Conclusion Ties Back To Introduction
A strong conclusion doesn’t just stop the essay — it brings it full circle. This technique, known as framing, makes the reader feel that your composition is complete and purposeful.
To achieve this, revisit the ideas, imagery, or questions you raised in your introduction. If your opening paragraph introduced a problem, use the conclusion to show how it might be solved. If you began with a vivid scene, return to it in the final lines, perhaps showing how it has changed.
For example:
- Introduction thesis: “Teamwork is the secret ingredient that turns ordinary efforts into extraordinary results.”
- Conclusion echo: “In the end, teamwork remains the key that unlocks achievements no single person could reach alone.”
Notice how the conclusion doesn’t copy the introduction word-for-word — it rephrases it, reinforcing the message while giving the reader a sense of closure. Done well, this method leaves a lasting impression and signals that every part of your essay was connected by a clear, consistent purpose.
9. Use Paragraphing Strategically

Paragraphs are more than just blocks of text — they’re guides for the reader. A good rule of thumb is one main idea per paragraph. This keeps your writing clear and prevents your reader from getting lost in a tangle of mixed points.
Well-placed paragraph breaks also improve readability. They act as visual signposts, breaking up what could otherwise be a daunting “wall of text” into manageable, inviting sections.
One useful tool for structuring paragraphs is the T-E-E-L method:
- T – Topic sentence: Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
- E – Explanation: Expand on the idea with more detail or reasoning.
- E – Evidence: Support it with examples, facts, or anecdotes.
- L – Link: Connect the paragraph’s point back to the overall argument or lead into the next point.
For example:
T: “Teamwork teaches important life skills.”
E: “Working with others develops communication, compromise, and leadership abilities.”
E: “For instance, in my school’s basketball team, learning to listen to each other’s strategies helped us win the inter-school championship.”
L: “These skills extend beyond sports, proving valuable in academic and professional settings.”
Strategic paragraphing isn’t just about neatness — it’s about guiding your reader through your thoughts in the clearest, most logical way possible.
10. Link Ideas With Transitions
Good writing isn’t just about having great ideas — it’s about guiding your reader from one thought to the next without making them feel lost.
This is where transition words and phrases come in. Think of them as little bridges that connect your sentences and paragraphs, helping your reader follow your train of thought smoothly.
For example:
- To show contrast: however, on the other hand, in contrast, yet, despite this
- To add information: in addition, moreover, furthermore, not only… but also
- To show cause and effect: therefore, as a result, consequently, hence, because of this
- To sequence ideas: first of all, next, then, afterwards, finally, subsequently
- To emphasise a point: indeed, in fact, above all, most importantly
Using transitions isn’t about stuffing your writing with fancy connectors — it’s about making your ideas flow logically. Without them, your composition might feel disjointed, as if the reader is hopping from one idea to another without a path. With them, your writing feels cohesive, sophisticated, and easy to follow.
11. Vary Sentence Types
If every sentence you write looks and sounds the same, your reader’s attention will wander. Variety in sentence structure is like adding different spices to a meal — it keeps things interesting.
There are three main types of sentences you can play with:
- Simple sentences: One independent clause.
Example: “The rain stopped.” - Compound sentences: Two independent clauses joined by a conjunction (e.g., and, but, so).
Example: “The rain stopped, and the sun came out.” - Complex sentences: An independent clause plus one or more dependent clauses.
Example: “Although the rain stopped, the ground was still wet.”
By mixing short, punchy sentences with longer, more descriptive ones, you create a natural rhythm. Short sentences can add impact and urgency. Longer sentences can add detail and depth. This variation keeps your reader engaged and prevents your writing from sounding robotic or repetitive.
12. Use Ambitious Vocabulary Appropriately

The right words can make your writing more vivid, precise, and persuasive. Instead of overused words like good, bad, or nice, try more descriptive alternatives:
- Good → excellent, outstanding, impressive, remarkable
- Bad → poor, inadequate, harmful, disappointing
- Nice → pleasant, delightful, charming, appealing
However — and this is important — don’t use ambitious words just to sound impressive. If you’re not 100% sure of a word’s meaning or how to use it, it’s safer to choose a simpler alternative. Clarity should always be your top priority. A well-chosen simple word is far better than a complicated one used incorrectly.
To grow your vocabulary, try these practical tips:
- Read widely: Fiction, non-fiction, news articles, and even poetry expose you to varied word choices.
- Keep a word journal: Write down unfamiliar words, along with their meanings and example sentences.
- Review and practise: Use new words in your own sentences to make them stick.
With time, you’ll have a richer pool of vocabulary to draw from — and your compositions will become more precise, more engaging, and more memorable.
13. Avoid Redundancy
Redundancy happens when you use more words than necessary to express an idea — often without realising it.
Common examples include phrases like twelve noon (noon is always twelve), final outcome (an outcome is by definition final), or free gift (a gift is already free). These extra words don’t add meaning; they just clutter your writing.
Why is redundancy a problem? It slows your reader down and makes your message less sharp. In professional or exam writing, clarity and conciseness are valued. Strong writing says more with fewer words.
Here’s how to spot and cut redundancy:
- Look for obvious doubles: “past history” → just “history.”
- Check for filler phrases: “in my opinion, I think” → just “I think.”
- Remove repeated ideas: “He shouted loudly” → “He shouted” (shouting is already loud).
When editing, read each sentence and ask: If I remove this word or phrase, does the meaning change? If not, cut it. You’ll find your writing becomes cleaner, sharper, and far more impactful.
14. Control Verb Tenses Consistently
One of the quickest ways to confuse your reader is to shift tenses unnecessarily. For example:
❌ I walk into the shop and bought a drink.
✔ I walked into the shop and bought a drink. (past tense)
✔ I walk into the shop and buy a drink. (present tense)
Inconsistent tenses make it hard to follow when events happen. If you’re telling a story, pick one main tense — usually past tense — and stick to it unless there’s a deliberate reason to switch.
Tips for keeping tense consistent:
- Decide on the tense before you start writing. For narratives, past tense is most common.
- Check every verb during editing. Look for sneaky tense changes, especially in longer sentences.
- Only switch tense for a clear reason. For example, moving from past to present in flashbacks or to emphasise an immediate thought.
A reader should never have to stop and wonder, Wait — is this happening now or before? Consistent tense keeps your writing smooth and easy to follow.
15. Use Active Voice For Clarity

The active voice makes sentences more direct and engaging. In active voice, the subject does the action:
- The boy threw the ball. (Active)
- The ball was thrown by the boy. (Passive)
Notice how the active voice feels clearer and shorter. That’s why it’s usually preferred — especially when you want to be persuasive, tell a story, or keep energy in your writing.
Active voice benefits:
- Clarity: The reader immediately knows who is doing what.
- Conciseness: Active sentences often use fewer words.
- Energy: The action feels stronger and more immediate.
That said, the passive voice isn’t “wrong.” It can be useful when:
- The doer is unknown or unimportant: The window was broken during the night.
- You want to focus on the action or receiver: The patient was treated successfully.
As a general rule, aim for an active voice in most of your sentences, but don’t be afraid to use passive voice strategically when it serves your purpose.
16. Check Subject–Verb Agreement
Subject–verb agreement might sound like Grammar 101, but even experienced writers slip up. The basic rule is simple: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Singular: The cat runs across the street.
- Plural: The cats run across the street.
The tricky part? Some sentences hide the subject–verb mismatch.
Common problem areas:
- Words between subject and verb
- ❌ The bouquet of roses are beautiful.
- ✔ The bouquet of roses is beautiful. (The subject is bouquet, not roses.)
- Collective nouns (e.g., team, committee, family)
- In British English, these can be singular or plural depending on meaning:
- The team is winning. (Viewed as a single unit)
- The team are arguing among themselves. (Viewed as individuals)
- In British English, these can be singular or plural depending on meaning:
- Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, nobody, each)
- These are always singular: Everyone is welcome.
17. Master Punctuation For Effect
Punctuation isn’t just about avoiding red marks from your teacher — it’s your secret weapon for clarity and style. Beyond the trusty full stop and comma, a few other marks can make your writing more precise and engaging.
Semi-colon ( ; )
Links two closely related sentences without using and:
- I have a meeting tomorrow; I’ll need to prepare tonight.
Colon ( : )
Introduces a list, explanation, or emphasis:
- She has three main hobbies: reading, hiking, and cooking.
Dash ( — )
Adds emphasis or an aside:
- I’m finally visiting Japan — it’s been on my list for years.
Why punctuation matters: Used correctly, punctuation guides the reader’s pace, clarifies meaning, and can even add personality to your writing. Used incorrectly, it can cause confusion or unintended humour.
A common error — the comma splice: This happens when you join two sentences with just a comma:
- ❌ I love durian, it is delicious.
- ✔ I love durian. It is delicious.
- ✔ I love durian; it is delicious.
- ✔ I love durian because it is delicious.
18. Avoid Common Grammatical Traps

Even confident writers fall into a few predictable grammar traps. Here’s a quick checklist to keep handy:
1. Misplaced modifiers: When descriptive words are too far from what they describe, the sentence can sound ridiculous.
- ❌ Running quickly, the bus was missed by John. (Sounds like the bus was running.)
- ✔ Running quickly, John missed the bus.
2. Incorrect pronoun usage: Match the pronoun to the noun it replaces.
- ❌ Each student must bring their own pencil. (In formal English, their is plural.)
- ✔ Each student must bring his or her own pencil.
3. Confusing “less” and “fewer”
- Use fewer for countable items: fewer apples.
- Use less for uncountable amounts: less water.
4. Overusing “literally”: Unless something actually happened in real life, avoid using literally:
- ❌ I literally died of laughter. (No, you didn’t.)
- ✔ I almost died of laughter.
Before-and-after check:
- ❌ Walking to school, the rain soaked my clothes.
- ✔ Walking to school, I was soaked by the rain.
Keeping this mini-list in mind when proofreading can help you catch errors that would otherwise slip by unnoticed.
19. Show, Don’t Just Tell
One of the golden rules of good writing is “show, don’t just tell.” Telling is when you simply state a fact:
- She was angry.
It gets the point across, but it’s flat and forgettable. Showing, on the other hand, paints a vivid picture using actions, dialogue, and sensory details:
- She slammed the door, her fists clenched, and her voice trembled as she shouted.
By showing instead of telling, you immerse the reader in the moment. They don’t just know she’s angry — they feel it.
Why showing works:
- It creates imagery that lingers in the reader’s mind.
- It engages the senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, taste — so the writing feels real.
- It makes characters and situations more relatable and believable.
20. Use Rhetorical Devices In Argumentative Writing
If you want to write persuasively, it’s not just about having good points — it’s about presenting them in a way that sticks. Rhetorical devices are techniques that make your writing more powerful and memorable.
Here are three to start with:
- Rhetorical questions: A question that doesn’t need an answer, but makes the reader think.
- Do we really want our children growing up in a world without green spaces?
- Do we really want our children growing up in a world without green spaces?
- Rule of three: Ideas presented in threes sound more balanced and persuasive.
- We must act now — for our families, for our planet, for our future.
- We must act now — for our families, for our planet, for our future.
- Emotive language: Words that stir emotions.
- innocent victims, heart-breaking loss, glorious achievement.
How to use them subtly:
- Don’t overload your writing — too many devices will feel forced.
- Weave them naturally into your arguments.
- Match the device to the tone: emotive language for a passionate piece, rhetorical questions for provoking thought.
21. Maintain Consistent Tone

Tone is the personality of your writing. Whether you’re aiming for formal, casual, humorous, or serious, you need to keep it consistent from start to finish.
Why tone matters:
- A consistent tone builds trust with your reader.
- Sudden shifts can feel jarring — imagine a serious report suddenly cracking jokes, or a casual blog post suddenly sounding like a legal contract.
Example of inconsistency:
- ❌ Climate change is a pressing issue we must address. LOL, guess we should start recycling now, huh?
- ✔ Climate change is a pressing issue we must address. Every small action we take now will shape the future of our planet.
Tips for maintaining tone:
- Decide your tone before you start writing.
- Read your piece aloud — sudden changes in tone often sound awkward when spoken.
- Check for word choice consistency — formal tone avoids slang, casual tone uses conversational phrases.
22. Leave Time To Edit
The first draft is never the final draft — and that’s perfectly normal. Writing is like cooking: you can’t serve it straight from the chopping board; it needs seasoning, refining, and a final taste test. Editing is where the real magic happens.
Think of editing not as a tedious chore, but as the stage where your writing becomes sharper, clearer, and more polished. Many great writers spend far more time editing than drafting.
Practical tips for editing:
- Schedule a specific block of time just for editing and proofreading — don’t try to do it while writing, or you’ll keep interrupting your creative flow.
- After finishing your draft, take a short break. Even 30 minutes away can give you “fresh eyes” to spot mistakes you’d otherwise miss.
- Approach your work like a detective — look for gaps, weak arguments, or awkward sentences.
Editing isn’t just about fixing typos; it’s about making sure your message is delivered in the clearest, strongest way possible.
23. Read Your Work Aloud In Your Head
One of the simplest yet most powerful proofreading techniques is to read your work aloud — or at least mouth the words silently.
Why it works:
- It forces you to slow down, so you don’t skim over mistakes.
- You’ll notice awkward phrasing or sentences that are too long.
- You can “hear” the rhythm of your writing and check if it flows naturally.
Example:
- Written: The meeting was productive we discussed many important points.
- Read aloud: The meeting was productive — we discussed many important points. (Here, you’d catch that a punctuation mark is missing.)
Whether you’re writing an essay, report, or blog post, this method is like giving your writing a mini performance check before it faces the audience.
24. Check Against Task Requirements

Before you submit or hand in your work, re-read the original question or task instructions. You’d be surprised how easy it is to go slightly off-track.
Why this matters:
- You may have left out a required point without realising it.
- You might have drifted into a different topic.
- You can check if your tone, format, and word count still match the requirements.
Quick checklist:
- Have I answered every part of the question?
- Have I included all the points from my planning stage (see Tip #2)?
- Does my composition meet the word count and style guidelines?
This final step acts as your safety net — ensuring you fulfil every part of the task before it leaves your hands.
25. Balance Creativity With Clarity
Great writing has personality. It’s not just about ticking boxes — it’s about expressing yourself in a way that engages the reader. But here’s the catch: creativity should never come at the expense of clarity.
A clever metaphor or poetic description might sound beautiful, but if it confuses the reader, it’s not doing its job. The ultimate goal of composition is effective communication.
How to strike the balance:
- Be imaginative with examples, imagery, and word choice.
- Avoid overly complicated language or tangled sentence structures.
- Test your writing on someone else — if they “get it” without having to reread, you’re on the right track.
The best writing is both engaging and easy to understand — like a well-designed bridge that’s not only beautiful to look at, but also strong and safe to cross.
Conclusion About Improving English Composition Writing
Strong writing isn’t a gift you’re born with — it’s a skill you build, one conscious choice at a time. The 25 tips you’ve read here aren’t just theory; they’re practical steps you can apply immediately.
Improvement takes patience, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow at first. Even small changes, repeated over time, lead to lasting results.
To get started, pick just one or two tips and use them in your next piece of writing. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you notice the difference.
If you’d like expert guidance to help your child write with clarity, confidence, and purpose, consider top English classes in Singapore for kids with DO Applied Learning by Epoch Talent Academy — Singapore’s only English education programme that operates on a Pay-Only-If-Your-Child-Improves basis.
This means you can walk away anytime with no penalty if your child isn’t benefiting, because there are no admin fees or deposit payments to hold you back.
We have full confidence that our methods deliver massive, sustainable improvement. By combining powerful English study strategies with our Pentagon Values System, we equip students not only to excel in English exams, but to thrive in life beyond the classroom.
We don’t just aim for the next A1 or AL2 — we prepare your child for the real test: achieving success in the world.
Many of our graduates have gone on to become not only top scorers, but leaders and contributors to society.
For parents of P5/P6 students preparing for Paper 1 Continuous Writing, our WRITING GENIUS PRIMARY 5/6 PSLE Writing Genius resource distils Teacher Daniel’s 1 Main Idea To Write 1000+ Compositions approach.
Contact us today to learn more! It’s a trusty companion for mastering Paper 1 and building skills that last far beyond the PSLE.
Frequently Asked Questions About Improving English Composition Writing
Does Using A Thesaurus Automatically Improve My Writing?
Not necessarily. Whilst a thesaurus is a useful tool for discovering alternative words, it doesn’t provide the context or nuance for how to use them. Choosing a “fancy” word that doesn’t quite fit the sentence can make your writing sound awkward and is often worse than using a simpler word correctly.
The best approach is to use a thesaurus for ideas, but always look up the definition and example sentences of a new word before placing it in your composition.
Are There Any Quick “Hacks” To Instantly Improve My Composition Scores?
Whilst there’s no magic wand for perfect writing, the closest thing to a “hack” is excellent planning. Spending the first 5-10 minutes of an exam creating a solid outline for your essay is the single most effective way to boost your score quickly.
A good plan ensures your composition is logical, well-structured, and directly answers the question, which immediately places you in a higher band for content and organisation before you’ve even written your first full sentence.
Is It More Important To Follow Strict Grammar Rules Or To Develop A Unique Writing Voice?
This is a great question about balance. In the context of exams, correctness is paramount. Flawless grammar and structure provide the foundation for a good mark. However, developing a unique voice—your personal style, rhythm, and choice of words—is what elevates writing from good to outstanding.
First, master the rules so you have complete control over your language. Then, you can begin to bend them creatively to let your unique voice shine through.
Can A Non-Native English Speaker Realistically Aim For Top Marks In Composition?
Absolutely. Examiners are assessing your command of the English language, not where you were born. Many non-native speakers become exceptional writers because they learn the language structure in a very deliberate way.
Where Can I Find Good Examples Of Modern English Composition Besides Classic Novels?
To see effective modern writing in action, look at high-quality journalism. Reputable newspapers and magazines (like The Guardian, The Economist, or BBC News online) feature articles that are well-structured, persuasive, and written in clear, engaging English.
When Is The Most Effective Time To Proofread My Work—Immediately After Writing Or Later On?
The most effective time to proofread is after taking a short break. When you proofread immediately after writing, your brain often sees what it thinks it wrote, not what is actually on the page.
Stepping away for even ten minutes allows you to return with “fresh eyes,” making you far more likely to spot typos, grammatical errors, and awkward sentences that you previously overlooked.