Mistake 1: Summarizing Instead of Analyzing

The most common and costly mistake in academic writing is simply retelling what a source says instead of analyzing what it means. Professors already know the content — they want to see your critical thinking. For every claim from a source, ask: "So what? What does this mean for my argument?" Then write that answer.

Mistake 2: Weak Topic Sentences

Every body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that clearly states the paragraph's main point and connects it to your thesis. "Another aspect to consider is..." is not a topic sentence. "The psychological impact of sleep deprivation on exam performance demonstrates that institutional scheduling practices directly harm student outcomes" is.

Mistake 3: Using Quotes as Arguments

A quote can support an argument — it cannot replace one. The pattern should always be: your claim, evidence (quote or paraphrase), your analysis. Students who drop long quotes and move on without analysis are not demonstrating understanding; they are demonstrating they found the source.

Mistake 4: No Counter-Argument

Strong academic essays acknowledge opposing viewpoints and respond to them. Ignoring counter-arguments makes your paper seem one-dimensional. Addressing them — and explaining why your position is stronger — demonstrates critical thinking and intellectual confidence.

Mistake 5: Weak Conclusions

A conclusion that simply restates the introduction word-for-word wastes an opportunity. A strong conclusion should synthesize (not summarize), broaden out to implications, and end with a thought-provoking final sentence that gives the reader something to take away.