Finished your essay but not feeling 100% about it? Good news: you don’t need to start over. Here are five quick fixes that can make a real difference:

• Polish Your Introduction and Conclusion

Make sure your intro sets up your main point clearly and your conclusion actually wraps things up—don’t just restate the thesis word-for-word.

• Strengthen Transitions

Add or improve transitions between paragraphs to help your ideas flow smoothly. A well-connected essay is way easier (and nicer) to read.

• Swap Vague Words for Specifics

Replace weak words like “things,” “stuff,” or “some people” with precise language that actually means something.

• Cut Repetition

Read through and cut any repeated points or sentences that don’t add anything new. Less fluff = more impact.

• Read It Out Loud

This simple trick helps you hear awkward phrasing, grammar slips, or sentences that just don’t sound right.

Small changes, big difference—try them before hitting “submit”!