Tip 1
That many students' essay writing is a chore. we lost count the number of times I have heard students say "we do not care about my courses, it is only worth 25% (or whatever it happens to be) of the final mark-as long as I pass (ie, get 40% ) I'm happy "
This approach is problematic because the students are from risk throwing away marks. Brands that could easily increase their overall character of the next grading bar brands, which will influence their final grade.
Tip 2
Look at the timeframe. How long until the submission date? Give plenty of time to aim to end a week before the deadline, if something unexpected occurs.
When a deadline is set work backwards to determine when work will commence.
It is advisable to start working on an academic essay than a month before hand today.Naturally, once a few tasks are completed, you will have a better idea of how long each takes, so you can adjust your schedule accordingly. For those who have little research to implement and have the ability to work quickly, it is possible to produce a good quality job in a few days.Unfortunately this is no opportunity for most students', as if they are to produce a quality piece of work will need plenty of time to research, plan and write.
Tip 3
Look at the assessment criteria to determine how the marks are awarded. A typical division may see something like this:
Analysis of task -10%
Relevant knowledge and understanding of the topic-40%
Structure and content, 30%
Using source materials-10%
Presentation -10%
There should also be a detailed overview of what is required to get points in a particular area, to investigate this and find out what to do.
Tip 4
Re-read the assessment criteria in relation to the issue. Think about how you will complete your task while maximizing the available marks in each section.
Analysis of Task
This is very basic, so you need to get it right, because it will influence the brands that can be achieved in other areas, especially the structure and content / relevant knowledge and understanding.
Examine the keywords, what are you being asked to do? Discuss, evaluate, compare and contrast, analyze, advise, comment.
Structure and content
Ensure your work has a beginning, middle and end! In other words, has a:
Introduction that sets the scene and tells the reader what the problem or the problem is and how you will solve or resolve it.
An important body which does exactly what you said you would do in the introduction.
A conclusion that brings together the issues, arguments, etc., which were discussed in the body and arrives at an overall conclusion. A conclusion should not introduce new material, but it must link back to the introduction and answer the question.
Relevant knowledge and understanding
Self explanatory really. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject. The trick here is obviously to ensure that you do! How? Read as widely as possible, listen to lectures and take advantage of as much material as you can. Use / apply what is relevant.
Using source materials
To achieve the maximum points here, you must prove that you have undertaken extensive but relevant / targeted research and the sources you used to be properly cited / referenced, and you must include a complete bibliography.
Tip 5
When conducting research using an A4 block. Top of page writes an indication of the text.
As you note, jot the relevant pages in the left margin. This will make referencing easy and allows you again to visit the text, should this be necessary at a later date.
When taking notes, you can either put the information in your own words or copy it down verbatim. Just be aware of what you have copied (put them in speech marks) you'll have to put this in your own words when it comes to write up.
How to avoid plagiarism:
1. Reference your work properly when you need to quote or acknowledge the source of your results.
2. Buy the 'anti-plagiarism trinity':
? Good quality dictionary
? Thesaurus
? Thesaurus
Presentation
Make sure you adhere to the training guidelines. Do they indicate that the work must be double-spaced? What font and font size is required? What is word length? Are you allowed to exceed it? Some teachers will offer 10% above threshold, while others will not allow any extension.Ensure that work is grammatically correct and that all items are correct. Easy brands available here, just by doing what you asked, and check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Make a start!
Get a notepad, have a brainstorming session and get your ideas down on paper. Scribble a structure that has a plan for where you are going. Regularly re-read the question to ensure that you are on track.
? Do not fall into the trap of believing that you have to start typing the first introduction. I have wasted many hours struggling to make a start. Start anywhere, it does not matter, in reality, many students write the introduction to last, as this enables them to precisely explain what they cover because they have already done it!
Does not mean you have to do it right the first time. The wonderful thing about being able to word process is that the text can be easily removed and extended. You will probably change many times, so just get something down to get you on your way, you can refine your work as you progress.
? Do not get stuck on a particular word or phrase. Enter a line of Xs', change the font color and return to it later.
? Sometimes it's easier to say something rather than write it. Get a dictaphone or voice recorder to use in a mobile and talk about it. Explain what you would say then listen back and transcribe.
Make sure that your essay flows in a logical sequence, link pieces and ensure that your conclusion refers back to the question, in other words, answer what has been set.
Once you have completed your work, print it out and forget about it for a few days. Then come back to it with fresh eyes. Critically evaluate what you've done in light of the assessment criteria. Make any changes and hand it in.
No comments:
Post a Comment