Familiarise yourself with the most popular referencing systems, notably Oxford (footnotes) and Harvard (parenthetical). Plenty of internet sources provide helpful assistance in gaining a thorough understanding of the notation of the major systems, and how and when to use them.
A solid 2.1 grade requires the ability to keep on topic and make all of the text of your essay ultimately relevant to the question. Context and background information is often an important part of academic writing, but should not be detailed at the expense of focus. Limit even the most interesting digressions.
A solid 2.1 grade requires the ability to keep on topic and make all of the text of your essay ultimately relevant to the question. Context and background information is often an important part of academic writing, but should not be detailed at the expense of focus. Limit even the most interesting digressions.
As an undergraduate you are not necessarily always required to produce a cool, detached and balanced piece. Often the strong development of a particular thread of argument can be more rewarding, and can be countered later in seminars or group discussions.
Delineate the scope of your paper. Positioning the issues you intend presently to discuss within the broader field of your subject area will demonstrate not only your understanding of the breadth of the academic landscape but your ability to focus on a particular part of it. It is not enough to analyse certain ideas, you must recognise their place in the whole.
1. Misreading the question. Disregard for the precise wording of the question, or poor comprehension of its meaning, can waste hours of work. Avoid this occasional but catastrophic slip by making a habit of breaking down and studying the question before you begin.
2. Beginning too late. There is nothing worse than a desperate rush to meet a deadline, especially if hours of good research are to be squandered through poor execution. Plan your time in advance and save yourself from the horror.
