| Write a compelling lead: Start with the most interesting or impactful point to grab attention. |
Overuse adjectives or jargon: Avoid flowery language or technical terms that confuse or distract the reader. |
| Organize your article clearly: Use a logical flow with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion. |
Exclude the audience’s perspective: Ensure your article answers the reader’s key questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. |
| Be concise: Use simple, straightforward language and avoid unnecessary details. |
Write overly long sentences: Keep sentences short and punchy to maintain reader engagement. |
| Include quotes strategically: Use impactful quotes that add value to your narrative, rather than filling space. |
Misquote or misrepresent: Always ensure quotes are accurate and reflect the speaker’s intent. |
| Provide context: Explain why the story matters, including relevant background information. |
Ignore transitions: Abrupt topic changes can confuse readers; use transitions to guide them smoothly. |
| Use active voice: It makes your writing more direct and engaging (e.g., “The athlete scored the winning goal” instead of “The winning goal was scored by the athlete”). |
Rely on clichés: Phrases like “gave 110%” or “left it all on the field” add little value to your story. |
| Adapt your tone to the audience: Write in a style that matches the publication and resonates with the readers. |
Use filler content: Avoid adding unnecessary details or padding to meet a word count. |
| Edit thoroughly: Proofread and check for spelling, grammar, and factual accuracy. |
Provide too much opinion: Unless it’s an opinion piece, keep your writing objective and fact-based. |