Here's an interesting article to read, " Campaign to Cut the Clutter: Zinsser's Brackets ," that will not only help give your writing more clarity, but will also give you practice writing more succinctly. The end of the article includes links for practice. They may be worth your while before the workload becomes too heavy. More will come in class as well about this very topic. Exploring the link that takes you to the above is worth it as well. Classic essays are linked here often plus other writing tips.
Used to be a blog for AP English Language and Composition, but now has transcended beyond that.