ElisaWood
New member
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2026
- Messages
- 12
My professors always write the same thing on my essays: "Good points, but the paper lacks flow." 
I don't fully understand this concept of "flow." In Portuguese, we use longer sentences, many commas, and it is okay. But in English, when I try to write like that, my tutor says my sentences are "run-ons." When I write short sentences to avoid mistakes, the professor says it sounds "choppy" and "abrupt," like a robot is talking.
I am trying to use transition words like "however," "moreover," and "consequently," but I think I use them too much. My last essay started three sentences in a row with "Furthermore," and I didn't even notice!
My specific question is: How do you build a bridge between a broad topic sentence and your specific evidence? For example, if I am writing about renewable energy, I can state a fact, but connecting that fact back to the main argument in a way that sounds natural and not forced is a mystery to me.
Does anyone have any exercises or a checklist they use before submitting to check for this "flow"? Maybe a mental trick you use when you are writing? I appreciate any advice. I want my ideas to sound as intelligent in English as they are in my head.
I don't fully understand this concept of "flow." In Portuguese, we use longer sentences, many commas, and it is okay. But in English, when I try to write like that, my tutor says my sentences are "run-ons." When I write short sentences to avoid mistakes, the professor says it sounds "choppy" and "abrupt," like a robot is talking.
I am trying to use transition words like "however," "moreover," and "consequently," but I think I use them too much. My last essay started three sentences in a row with "Furthermore," and I didn't even notice!
My specific question is: How do you build a bridge between a broad topic sentence and your specific evidence? For example, if I am writing about renewable energy, I can state a fact, but connecting that fact back to the main argument in a way that sounds natural and not forced is a mystery to me.
Does anyone have any exercises or a checklist they use before submitting to check for this "flow"? Maybe a mental trick you use when you are writing? I appreciate any advice. I want my ideas to sound as intelligent in English as they are in my head.
