The document provides tips for improving formal writing. It distinguishes between topics and thesis statements, advising that a thesis is a specific opinion about a topic. It recommends not summarizing unless instructed, and focusing on an argument to prove to the reader. The document also suggests avoiding self-reference and using titles correctly, with longer works underlined and shorter works in quotation marks. When quoting, the tips say to integrate quotes and use ellipses for omitted text. Verb tenses, capitalization, and avoiding mistakes are also addressed.