How to Use the Tenses?

Each of these tenses is used differently in an academic environment. Below are some examples of how to use each tense in academic writing. It will help you to better understand the differences between each one.

The Present Simple Tense

The tense is used for the present. It is often used when talking about verbs that indicate things happening now. For example, if you wanted to say, “I am writing“, you would use the present simple.

The main exception to the present simple tense concerns verbs that indicate things happening now. These are called dynamic verbs, and they always use the present simple tense. It includes verbs like play, work, run, swim, and talk. Other examples of these types of sentences include “I am working“, “We are running” and “She is talking“.

The tense describes general truths that have been proven in the past. It is also used to describe habitual actions that are regularly done. In addition to these, it can also indicate how something is in the present.

The Past Simple Tense

The Past Simple Tense describes things that have happened in the past but not in the present. For example, “I went to school” is something that occurred in the past, but it doesn’t occur now. The same would be true for “I played my guitar.”

This tense can be used for specific events, as well as regular actions. The specific event could occur once or multiple times a week or month. We cannot use the tense to indicate actions happening now or today.

The Present Perfect Tense

The Present Perfect Tense explains actions that began in the past and have continued up to the present. This tense is also used to describe something that happened once, but has lasting effects. It can also describe things that happened some time before another event took place. It cannot, however, be used to specifically indicate something that is happening in the now/present. Lastly, this tense can also be used for a general truth or an assumption about a past event.

The Present Simple Tense

The tense is used for things that are happening now or that have been happening up to this point in time. For example, “I am earning a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism.” In this sentence, the verb ‘earn’ is in the present simple tense. You would also use it to describe things that are happening at this moment. It could be used for a general statement or an assumption about something taking place. For example, “She is driving to work.”

The Past Simple Tense

The past simple tense is used for single actions and events that occurred in the past. For example, “I went to school today.” It should be used for a specific event that happened once in the past. It can also be used to describe the past before something else occurred. For example, “I ate dinner after I arrived home.” If you went to school that day and then ate dinner, this would be correct.

The Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is used for things that happened or began in the past but continue to have an effect on the present. For example, “I have lived in Texas for two years.” In this statement, the present perfect tense is used because the person has been living in Texas for the past two years.

It can also be used for a general fact or assumption about something that happened in the past. For example, “Physics has always been my favorite subject.” It could be a personal preference from high school and an assumption based on past grades of a student’s performance in this class.

The main reason you must get a topic that captures the readers’ minds is to ensure that the readers want to read more. Students usually find a hard time creating research topics. But if you still find problems with creating one, you can seek advice from experts. Make sure the place where you are seeking advice is very credible.

Good research topics

Definition: good research topics assist the writer in showing the audience how relevant his work is. It must cover social, practical, or scientific significance to various parties.

Good topics must be compelling, enticing to the reader, and very exciting. 

Good research topics must have these qualities below.

• Clarity

Your research must be detailed. When your research is detailed, the audience will understand the points you are trying to pass, unlike when your research is detailed and precise. Research topics that are not clear, brief and precise are tough to understand. The writer of the essay must have a deep understanding of the topic that he will talk about in his essay. If the writer does not understand the topic, the audience is most likely not to understand anything in that essay. The topic you are discussing must be correlating with the audience. Because if it doesn’t correlate or connect with the audience, then what’s the point of the essay.

• Define your topic

When you define your topic, you will have focus, and you will find out the vital areas. It also helps you to note the main concepts of your research. When one structures his topic well, he gives the audience a significant work. It is the point where the audience must have the satisfaction that the writer addresses their point of concern. When you define your topic, it will briefly elucidate the whole topic. It can also help you to select the format that will suit the essay. To define your topic:

• Appropriate Language

Writers must use languages that readers easily understand and can read. It will entice your audience to read your work with morale. When you write your topic with inappropriate language, your readers will undermine, discredit, and also, the essay will not be relevant to the readers. The major tip to successful essay topics is writing something that is appealing to you and satisfies the audience.

• Titling

These are the first things that the readers go through first before they can read your text. It is like the introduction to your essay. So with that in mind, you will select a topic that captures the readers’ minds and is relevant to your essay. The topic mist gives your audience the appetite to read your article.

Compelling titles must convey the main points. And also, they must show why the essay is significant.

• Relevance

It is essential to look for a topic that relates to your readers. Good topics must show why the essay is essential. And must make the topic consistent to prevent clashing of ideas.

Conclusion

All writers must carry research and come up with a topic that captures the reader’s mind and entices them to read more of your essay.