How do I improve my writing clarity and structure?

The short answer

Clarity comes from strong structure, short sentences when needed, active voice where appropriate, and cutting redundancy. Readers should follow your logic without re-reading paragraphs.

Strategies that work

• One main idea per paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
• Prefer concrete subjects and verbs; reduce nominalizations.
• Read drafts aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
• Use headings in longer papers to guide the reader.
• Cut filler phrases (“in order to,” “due to the fact that”).

Mistakes to avoid

• Overusing jargon without definitions.
• Long sentences stacking multiple clauses.
• Implicit logic jumps between sentences.

Put it into practice this week

• Shorten three longest sentences in your draft.
• Add topic sentences where paragraphs lack them.
• Request a clarity-only review from a tutor or peer.