When the cursor blinks on Microsoft Word and writer's block sets in, use these tips to overcome your writing struggles.
1. Think through your thesis –The thesis statement is the most integral part of a position paper. There is nothing wrong with taking some time away from the computer screen to really think about where you stand on an issue. It is often far more efficient to ruminate on the thesis and start writing with a clear goal than to start and grind through pages of uncertainty. Moreover, a clear and decisive position will be easier for the reader to follow.
2. Save extra information off to the side –As you write your paper, you may find yourself adding information that doesn't quite fit perfectly with the rest of the paper, but has some value. Cut and paste this extra information to the bottom of the page, or into a separate document. This way, you can return to your ideas later, or decide to eliminate them if they have no value. This technique will make it easier to rid your paper of clutter, without committing to eliminate your hard work until it is certainly not needed.
3. Use the highlighter tool –Awkward phrases or word selections that need your attention sometimes distract you from the bigger picture of your paper. Highlight these in a bright color and return to them at a later time; either at the end of the paper, or next time you hit writer's block. You can always address these minor details later, and it's not worth it to lose your good pace. This same tactic can be used for typos, although some people find them so irritating that they feel compelled to fix them before proceeding. You make the call.
4. Skip the intro –Introductions can be hard to write. As long as you have a clear thesis, it is okay to skip to the body paragraphs and get the bulk of the work done while your ideas are fresh.
5. Address the opposition –Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, the authors of "They Say I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing," argue that it is important to engage opponents of your position. It's natural for someone to find your thesis to have a false premise, or to be wrong altogether. Rather than ignoring opponents' views, engage them and explain to the reader why your position is still better. It's okay to grant that the opposition has some sensible ideas, if that's the case.
6. Compartmentalize references –The reference page is extremely important in avoiding plagiarism, but it can be distracting in the scheme of writing. Try to gather and neatly cite sources before starting. When it's time to make in-text references in your paper (such as with APA or Chicago), either have your citations prepared, or use a filler to call your attention for later on. If you decide to use filler phrases like (CIT), don't forget to return to these areas and give the original author credit. The highlighter tool can be useful here, too. Whatever you decide, don't let the impending citations cloud your thoughts.
7. Fix awkward phrasing –Sometimes a sentence just does not sound right. Rather than go crazy with a thesaurus, wasting a lot of your time, consider rephrasing the idea entirely. Use the active voice rather than the passive voice. If necessary, say your ideas aloud as if you are explaining them to a friend, so that you can hear what you're trying to write. It may come out more concisely.
8. Use extraordinary language sparingly –Powerful words are best spent on powerful ideas. If every adjective in your paper comes straight out of a thesaurus, your descriptions will quickly lose their influence. Moreover, the reader won't be able to distinguish your most passionate points from the surrounding information.
9. Create a folder for web links –It is a pure waste of time to go searching for sources that you have already found. If you're working on a personal computer, create a Favorites folder online, where you can save all relevant links for easy access. If you're on a public computer, paste links into a Word document that you can send to yourself for later.
10. Set time standards –If you're having a hard time getting started, commit to a fixed time window of uninterrupted work – perhaps 15 or 30 minutes. After this time, you may find that you are on a roll, and do not want to stop working. If you're still stuck, allow yourself some time to relax, and set a realistic time to resume working.
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