Clarity and Conciseness:
* Wordiness and redundancy: Using too many words to convey a simple idea; repeating information unnecessarily.
* Vague language: Using imprecise terms or ambiguous phrasing that leaves the reader unsure of the meaning. Avoid vague terms like "significant," "important," or "many" without further qualification.
* Poor sentence structure: Using overly long or complex sentences that are difficult to follow. Run-on sentences and sentence fragments are common problems.
* Lack of focus: The writing drifts off-topic or fails to maintain a consistent argument. The overall message is unclear.
* Poor transitions: Lack of smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas, making the text disjointed and difficult to follow.
Argumentation and Logic:
* Weak thesis statement: The main argument is unclear, underdeveloped, or not supported by the evidence presented.
* Unsupported claims: Making assertions without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning.
* Logical fallacies: Using flawed reasoning or making invalid inferences.
* Lack of critical analysis: Simply summarizing information without engaging in critical evaluation or interpretation.
* Ignoring counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge or address opposing viewpoints.
Style and Mechanics:
* Inappropriate tone: Using informal language, slang, or a conversational tone inappropriate for academic writing.
* Poor grammar and punctuation: Numerous grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes detract from the credibility of the paper.
* Inconsistent formatting: Failing to adhere to a consistent style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
* Plagiarism: Presenting others' work or ideas as your own.
* Poor citation practices: Incorrectly citing sources or failing to cite sources at all. This is a serious academic offense.
* Lack of engagement: The writing is dry, boring, and fails to capture the reader's attention.
Organization:
* Poor structure: The paper lacks a logical flow of ideas; sections are poorly organized or out of order.
* Lack of a clear introduction and conclusion: The introduction doesn't adequately set the stage for the paper, and the conclusion doesn't effectively summarize the findings or offer concluding thoughts.
Addressing these issues will significantly improve the quality and impact of a research paper. Remember that effective writing is clear, concise, persuasive, and well-supported by evidence. Seeking feedback from peers or professors can be invaluable in identifying areas for improvement.