3 Common Mistakes Students Make in Academic Writing (and How to Avoid Them)

Academic writing is one of the biggest challenges at university, whether you are an international student or a native English speaker. Essays, reports, and research papers require skills that go far beyond grammar and vocabulary. Many students fall into the same traps, but the good news is that they’re easy to avoid once you know them.

Here are three of the most common mistakes — and simple ways to fix them:

1. Writing Without a Clear Thesis

Many students start writing before they know exactly what they want to say. The result is an essay without focus.
How to avoid it: Always begin with a clear thesis statement. Write one sentence that captures your main argument, and let it guide the rest of your essay.

2. Using Everyday Language Instead of Academic Style

Phrases that sound fine in conversation often look too informal in essays. Words like “a lot,” “stuff,” or “things” weaken your argument.
How to avoid it: Replace vague or casual words with precise, formal ones. For example, instead of “a lot of research,” write “extensive research.”

3. Forgetting to Use Evidence

Strong essays don’t rely only on personal opinion — they use sources. Many students forget to cite properly or include evidence at all.
How to avoid it: Support every key argument with references from academic texts. Learn your university’s citation style early (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.) and use it consistently.

Once you avoid these three common mistakes — lack of focus, informal style, and missing evidence — your academic writing will become clearer, stronger, and more persuasive. These small changes can make a big difference in your grades and your confidence.

By Justyna @ Kampuz English