Flashcards on Common Writing Pitfalls and Solutions
Common Writing Pitfalls and Solutions for Students
Tap to flip · Swipe to navigate
Academic/Professional Writing Errors
20 cards
Card 1
Question: What does 'lack of coherence' in writing mean?
Answer: Ideas are poorly connected or arranged randomly, so the writing lacks logical connection and smooth flow.
Card 2
Question: Give an example that illustrates incoherent writing.
Answer: “The experiment was successful. Rainfall affects agriculture. The laboratory equipment was expensive.” (Ideas are unrelated and poorly organized.)
Card 3
Question: Name two implications of a lack of coherence.
Answer: Readers find it difficult to follow the discussion; arguments become weak and confusing.
Card 4
Question: List three ways to avoid lack of coherence.
Answer: Arrange ideas logically; use transition words (e.g., however, therefore, furthermore, consequently); maintain one central idea per paragraph.
Card 5
Question: What is 'poor organization of ideas' in academic/professional writing?
Answer: Presenting ideas without proper structure or sequence so writing does not move logically from introduction to conclusion.
Card 6
Question: What are three consequences of poor organization?
Answer: Readers become confused; key points may be overlooked; reports appear unprofessional.
Card 7
Question: What are practical steps to avoid poor organization in a report?
Answer: Prepare an outline before writing; divide work into sections and subsections; use headings and subheadings; present ideas sequentially; review overall
Card 8
Question: Why is correct punctuation important in writing?
Answer: Punctuation clarifies meaning; misuse can change meaning or create confusion.
Card 9
Question: Show how punctuation misuse can change meaning with an example.
Answer: Incorrect: “Let’s eat students.” Correct: “Let’s eat, students.” (A missing comma changes the meaning.)
Card 10
Question: Give another example showing correct use of commas with 'however.'
Answer: Incorrect: “The results however were accurate.” Correct: “The results, however, were accurate.”