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Put Toads in Your Garden: Sure-fire Way to Improve Your Writing

© Flora Brown

As a junior at USC, I had an English teacher who would fill the margins of our English compositions with suggestions for improving our papers. One of his favorites and the most perplexing was “Put toads in your garden.” After many years of working to improve my writing I think I finally understand what he meant. Writing that is interesting and well done must be full of life( if not lively) and rich in texture. Your papers don’t need to be weighted down with complex vocabulary or supported by hundreds of citations to be effective. Papers that rise above the minimum and the mundane do have an elusive quality that’s easily recognizable but difficult to teach. There are three sure-fire ways to improve your writing and increase your grades in the process.

1. Choose topics that intrigue or excite you. It’s difficult to fake enthusiasm and even tougher to hide disinterest. More challenging is when you are not given much of a choice. Many college writing topics are forced upon you by the teacher or you’re asked to choose from limited choices. For example, let’s say you don’t like history (even though you must pass it to graduate), but your teacher asked for a research paper on some aspect World War II. You can attack this assignment by looking for your interest within the topic. If you are a music lover you could research the music that was prominent during World War II. What did it reflect about society? What influence did it have on attitudes and behavior toward the war? Visit http://www.thehistorynet.com for links to resources and articles on historical events. For an extensive directory of ideas for writers, visit http://www.Researchpaper.com

2. Create a strong thesis statement and offer support for it. Writing classes are designed to help you learn to do this, but you can help yourself by observing what good writers do. When you read a powerful article or convincing essay, notice how the author begins, and what specific support he offers. If your school offers a Writing Center, take your papers there and welcome the constructive critique. For great tips on prewriting, creating a thesis statement and providing support, visit http://www.powa.org

3. Put toads in your garden. Don’t settle for dry facts and quotes when you research your paper. Look for unique and interesting angles that will create visual pictures for the reader. When researching the Civil War, for example, I discovered the Rhea County Girls’ Company. In the summer of 1862 because girls couldn’t join the army this group of girls with the average age of 18 decided to create their own army. Although they were partly seeking relief from boredom, they also had a desire to be part of the war for Southern independence. They went on to make significant contributions to the War. Sharing what you learn about their colorful exploits will liven any paper.

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