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.

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1. Focus. In order to secure an upper 1st class mark you must demonstrate a highly sophisticated balance between context and focus. Supporting material must serve the purpose of your core arguments in a persuasive and lucid manner. Be mindful always of the question which you are attempting to answer.

2. Reading and research. The very top academic marks can only be achieved through a highly impressive demonstration of a remarkably broad background subject knowledge. What is more, your deep engagement with reading and research must be manifest in an exceptionally capable use of these materials in building and supporting persuasive arguments. Select the most relevant literature from your impressive command of classic and contemporary texts.

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