How To Write A High-Quality Graduate Work In The Short Term

Writing in academic and professional circles is one of the most common tasks. According to the Teach Thought, an average fourth-grader spends at least three hours per week on writing assignments.
Students deal with such tasks on a regular basis. And even more – they also have to support their knowledge with written papers as an evidence of solid knowledge and competency in a certain area.
However, even though writing is very common as a task at college, students still feel intimidated by an idea of having to compose a decent piece of information within the shortest terms. And it is not surprising, given that four out of five students are not good at writing, according to the same source. And this is combined with the fact that slightly fewer than 50% of all students believe that their writing improved in college.
Not only this is caused by their lack of confidence in the clear understanding of the subject, but also by the time that is always an issue for young people.
So, here we come to a question of how one can write a decent thesis within the tight timeframe and not go crazy. Check out our tips that will guide you through the process step by step.
How to compose a great thesis within the shortest time
1. Start early.
Time can be your best friend or your worst enemy. In case you start early, you can take all the time you need and create a decent piece of information. However, if you run out of time, you will end up rushing into the paper and missing many important points.
So, plan your writing ahead of time. They say that if you d everything right, you will only need around a month to complete the paper.
To help you keep track of your time, make sure to start with a list of things you need to do for your thesis creation. You can spread the tasks across weeks and then split them all into smaller to-do lists. Each of the tasks must have a clear deadline so that you can keep track of how well you are doing and whether you are still on the right track.
You must create such lists ahead of time and update them as long as some task is completed. Besides, you can also reward yourself for a good work in case the task is done properly and timely.
2. Choose an adviser that cares.
You must choose an adviser that will be more than happy to help you. Unfortunately, you will see that there are many of them that seem to be quite indifferent to how well you are doing. So, pick someone you feel confident with and see if this tutor can be your thesis adviser.
He or she will be able to set clear deadlines, help you evaluate the paper on each stage and recommend literature to study when looking for information. They have more experience in the subject, so undoubtedly, they can help you do much better than you would do without their assistance.
Do not hesitate to ask for help. You should not be worried about daily appointments with them, and definitely do no worry about being a pain in the neck: it is their responsibility to help you (and frankly, in most cases, they find it interesting, especially if teaching is their calling).
3. Stick to the standard structure.
Do not try to re-invent the wheel. There is a standard structure you need to stick to, so just follow the instructions.
The main goal behind any structure is to present your ideas in a clear and concise manner. So, just go over the structure step by step.
An average graduate thesis consists of several chapters:

  •  Title page;
  • Abstract (not longer than 350 words);
  • Lay summary (not longer than 150 words);
  • Preface;
  •  Table of contents;
  •  List of tables;
  •  List of figures;
  •  List of illustrations;
  •  List of symbols;
  •  Glossary;
  •  Acknowledgement;
  • Document body that includes an introduction, research chapters, and a conclusion;
  •  Bibliography;
  •  Appendices.

If you follow this structure, you will end up having a clear and understandable paper in the end. However, beware that every school might have its own specifications, so a list of the chapter might vary. Remember to talk this through with your adviser to make sure you are doing everything right.
4. Pay attention to the bibliography.
We know many examples of how students would write a paper before the deadline, but then still miss it due to how much time bibliography creation took them. Thus, they will find a good literature review sample and use it to compose a paper faster, but then get stuck at bibliography.
Do not fall into this trap, and take proper notes of all the resources you are using as you go. Otherwise, you will spend ages searching for the places you took a quote from.
So, if you are using a printed source, then mention it in the Bibliography by listing all of these points as it is stated by the Science Buddies: a name of the author, date, place and a company that published the book, the volume (in case it is a magazine or encyclopedia) and a page number.
Should you have used some online resource, then list it this way – an author or editors names, title of the page you found it on, company that published it, URL, and the date you found it there.
This will save you some hassle: just use our guide – and you are good to go!
5. Check the paper for plagiarism.
Schools do not let any plagiarized content slip into the papers. That is why your supervisor will check your paper for plagiarism every time you hand in a piece of your thesis.
To save you some time here, we recommend you using plagiarism checkers yourself.
There are many great ones available for free online. Among them are Small SEO Tools, Quetext, PlagScan, etc.
All you need to do there is copy your text, insert it into a relevant field on the website and wait for the program to analyze all the information with a click of a button.
6. Use technologies.
Finally, save time by using technologies (which were invented to save our time in the first place).
For example, you can use special software that will block any distractions on your computer while you writing (including SelfControl, LeechBlock, FocusON, Freedom, etc).
Moreover, you can create your to-do lists using special software that not only makes listings easier but also kind of fun. Among the ones we would recommend you using are Google Keep, Remember the Milk, Habitica, Todoist, or Wunderlist. They are all loved and used by many, so join the community of super-organized people.
Apart from that you can check grammar and proofread your paper with the cutting-edge software like GrammarCheckGrammarly, Language Tool, Online SpellCheck, etc. They will save your eyes from having to read the same text over and over again and will keep you right on track even if your time is very limited.
As you see composing a graduate paper is not as complicated as you thought it might be. There are tones of ways to make it better. And even if you lack confidence that you can deal with the task as easily as it sounds, remember that many students have gone through this way, and you can do it too!
By the way, if you have any other great ways in minds that help you save time when writing a graduate paper, do not hesitate to share that wisdom with us. Sharing is caring, we believe. So, hit the comments button – and let us know!

8 Strategies for Improving Student Writing

Writing is difficult for many. Not all of us are well capable of expressing our thoughts on paper, making it informative and interesting to read at the same time. While some people are able to avoid writing most of the time, students usually aren’t so lucky. They receive many writing assignments regularly, and completing them can become nearly impossible for those who struggle with their writing all the time.

However, there is something you can do in order to change that. It doesn’t matter whether you are a teacher or a student – these 8 tips can help you improve student writing greatly.

  1. Shorten sentences.

The shorter, the better – that’s the rule when it comes to writing. Short sentences are easier to read and understand, they tend to be more specific and deliver your point of view more effectively. Of course, not all sentences have to be short and there is no clear definition of “short”, but you should still try to make them as laconic as possible while saving their meaning at the same time.

  1. Don’t forget about grammar.

Grammar is a tough subject for many students. However, these days it is much easier to improve your grammar and make your writing stronger. There are so many apps that help check spelling and punctuation and there are even some of those that give you stylistic suggestions as well. All you have to do is to not only correct the mistakes but also remember the tips and rules these apps provide you with – and your grammar will certainly improve with time.

  1. Write a plan first.

It doesn’t matter what you’re writing – an essay, a term paper, or an article: a plan still has to be written first. It not only helps you build the necessary structure but also ensures that you won’t miss something and makes the whole writing process much easier. All you have to do after you wrote the plan is to follow it: this will help you save time on thinking “What should I write next?”.

  1. Extra reading is always good.

We are overflowed with information these days and so, reading might seem like a tiring thing to do to many. However, it’s the reading that helps us become better writers and express our thoughts better. And I’m not talking only about classic literature here – you can read modern one too. So, choose the books you might enjoy and start reading!

  1. Analyze and discuss.

Not all of us actually have time and opportunity to reflect on our writing. However, this is a necessary thing to do if you want to write better. You can discuss writing with your teacher or professor, with your friends or fellow students, noticing all the details and flaws. You can do that on your own too, analyzing your writing and trying to understand why did you choose these words and arguments in the first place, and so on.

  1. Use the words you know.

Using the words that are supposed to make you look smarter is one of the most common errors in students writing. Not all students actually understand the exact meaning of the words they want to use for this purpose, which might lead to some very confusing mistakes. While your writing doesn’t have to be primitive, you should still choose the words that are familiar to you.

  1. Take your time.

This could be hard when the deadlines are close, but the more time you spend on writing, the better it will become. Sometimes students’ writing is poor not because their skills are bad, but because they rush too much with the whole writing process.

  1. Always edit.

The earlier you start working on your writing assignment, the more time you will have to edit it. Editing is a must: it not only helps in eliminating grammar mistakes but also improves your writing. You can notice weak arguments and logical flaws during the editing process, correct them, and make your paper much better this way.

While strong writing skills do develop with time, these simple tips will help you improve your writing a bit very quickly.

 

4 Essential Problems Encountered in Writing a Dissertation

Writing a dissertation is, without a doubt, one of the most important moments in the life of any student. This type of academic paper is not something to be taken lightly, as it requires a great deal of research and, before anything, must be 100% original. Unless you do it right, you won’t be able to get your Ph.D. Still, the sad reality is that a lot of students simply don’t know how to write a dissertation properly. And who can blame them – after all, the majority of graduates are facing such a task for the very first time. Virtually all students need to deal with a series of common problems throughout the process of writing a dissertation. To help you out with this challenge, we’ll talk about the 4 most essential dissertation-related problems that any graduate student encounters sooner or later, and we’ll offer you some useful tips on how to overcome them.

1. Phrasing an Adequate Thesis Statement

Coming up with a thesis statement that is in conformity with the aim of the study is the first and perhaps the hardest issue you may run into. A dissertation paper must reflect your originality and should include relevant data and conclusions. This is why you shouldn’t opt for a topic that is very universal or very delicate. The more general the topic is, the harder it will be for you to find conclusive evidence!

A suitable thesis statement needs to be particular, separate and determinate. If you wish to simplify things and avoid sleepless nights, choose a topic in relation to which you can easily formulate arguments pro and against. To do so, you may need to narrow things down from general to particular. Keep in mind that a dissertation statement must be debatable and must generate conflicting opinions and interpretations.

2. Writing a Pertinent Literature Review

Any dissertation paper must include a literature review section, which should provide an extensive evaluation and analysis of other academic works that approach your topic. In general, this section has a length of 15-30 pages. To fill up so many pages, you need to browse through a large number of sources and combine the information in a methodical manner. To find relevant works, you could either search through an online database or go to a library.

Always remember that your supervisor wants to see that you possess good analytical skills and that you are well-acquainted with the study topic. To achieve the desired effect and impress your professors, you should generally avoid using too many direct quotations or summarizing the information presented in other works. Also, keep in mind that the literature review section must not include any personal opinions – this part of your dissertation has the sole purpose of analyzing the relevant literature from an objective perspective! Last but not least, never forget that you must include references to all of the analyzed works.

3. Finding Suitable Data

Another common issue that a lot of graduates encounter is identifying pertinent data that can be used to back and strengthen the arguments presented in the paper. When writing a dissertation, you can either utilize primary data or opt for secondary data. Gathering primary data involves methods like surveys, telephonic interviews or focus groups. Therefore, if you plan on using primary data, you need to be prepared to spend a certain amount of time and money. On the other hand, secondary data can be collected from third-party sources, such as governmental or non-governmental organizations.

It can be very disappointing to acknowledge that you don’t possess enough relevant information once you get to the methodology part of your dissertation. To steer clear of such an outcome, you need to make sure that the data you are thinking of using can be collected from the secondary sources. When collecting info from questionnaires, pay attention to how you formulate your questions!

4. Managing Time

Graduates are usually granted plenty of time for writing their dissertation papers. Precisely because students feel like they have a lot of time on their hands, they often don’t bother to plan it adequately. And if you don’t devise a proper schedule, you may be tempted to procrastinate more than you should and, before you know it, you’ll get closer and closer to the deadline. This can eventually generate a lot of stress and anxiety.

The best way to ensure that you have a hold on the situation at all times is by planning your paper in advance, assigning small portions of work for each day. As a word of caution, you should know that the professors in charge of supervising your paper may not always reply to your emails on time and may often ask you to change things in your work. So, when planning a schedule, make sure you leave enough time for such delays.

How to Set Goals for Your Child’s Education

It is a tradition for people to set goals at the beginning of the year. This is mostly because it helps them remember significant things that they want to achieve for the rest of the year.

Usually, individuals set their own goals for themselves. However, parents would find that their children would need some help in setting up and completing their educational goals for the year. Even those who go to an international school in the Philippines would need some assistance in regards to this task.

Help them out by following these tips:

Set Goals from the Get Go

Setting up your children’s goals (whether they are educational or not) is important to be done as soon as the year starts. Doing this would provide them more time to comprehend their tasks and accomplish them. It would also give them ample time to adjust as another school term starts.

Take Time to Listen

Find some time to discuss all the goals you and your child need to achieve this year. Be certain not to restrict them by only giving them the goals you want to accomplish. Ask their opinions about which goals they want to do. It does not have to be purely educational; you can include extracurricular activities like sports and school clubs.

SMART Goals

When setting up goals for your kid’s education, you must remember that they need to have some kind of structure. This is for you to measure whether they are realistic and achievable. Take note of the following:

  • Specific – What goals do you want to accomplish exactly?
  • Measurable – How are you going to break these goals into measurable elements?
  • Attainable – Do you consider these goals truly attainable?
  • Relevant – How relevant are these goals to you and your child?
  • Timely – Are you and your child able to attain the goal within a deadline?

Be Supportive and Encouraging

Your child would need all the support and encouragement from you while trying to accomplish these goals. Be ready to provide these things to them whenever they need you to. Let your child know that their efforts and accomplishments make you proud as their parent. You can easily boost their confidence by doing this.

 

Build a Plan

Building a plan is another important step in setting up educational goals for your kid. Make their goals easier by providing a visualization of your plans. You can create a colourful chart that provides all the details they need to do. Place it to a spot that they can easily see like the door on your fridge.

Frequent Check-Ins

Help your child move forward by doing frequent check-ins on the goals you have set up. Keep in mind that it would be very easy for them to forget these things. Remind them by scheduling check-ins. They do not have to be daily; they can be weekly or even monthly.

Celebrate

Celebrate with your child once the goals have been met. Let them know that they have done well, but be sure not to provide them with huge rewards because you would not want these to become the motivators in accomplishing their goals. Achieving them should be the ultimate reward itself.

Your child’s education is important. Provide them with ways that they can get better at their subjects and extracurricular activities by setting up some goals this New Year!

Some Simple Suggestions About Inequality and Education

For a “progressive society”, we sure have a knack for leaving people behind. Experts across the board agree that education and public school systems both play roles in inequality. Humans are naturally altruistic, but it’s easy to form habits of selfish thinking in a wealthy, consumerist society such as our own. Sometimes we lose sight about how our privileges may perpetuate the struggles of those less fortunate who, for the record, do not always choose their situations. If educational differences help to create inequality, then I have some suggestions for our teachers, administrators, and the like to help even the playing field, hopefully without dumbing down the process.

  1. Computers
    Some families, believe it or not, don’t have home computers now days. Some have only one, but it isn’t enough for the whole family to use as much as they need. As fantastic as it is that children are taught at a young age how to type and use various programs in a school’s computer lab, computer mandatory work outside of class becomes a problem when students don’t have access to a computer.Again, not that education should be slowed down – but there needs to be more ways for students to use a computer if they don’t have one. Maybe schools should be striking deals with local libraries and the like for free computer use (some make you pay). If they have the budget, providing laptops for in class use may be ideal, which I’ve also seen done before. How late are the school libraries or computer labs open? Maybe try offering less computer work, and if not that, more time to get it done.
  2. School Trips
    A lot of schools do this already, but when field trips or class staycations take place (AKA a class trip to DC), there will always be students who struggle to afford it. Putting the full burden on a fourteen year old to raise the money with no help from the school that is putting a heavy class emphasis on the trip is a bit crazy.Obviously, these kinds of trips can never be totally mandatory. But if you as a teacher think it’s very important your students go, then don’t let kids fend for themselves in these situations – help struggling students fundrasise. Set up opportunities for other students to help out as well- car washes, bake sales, etc. Working together and opening doors for everyone to contribute may actually build a community mindset that considers people as a whole and not just on an individual level.
  3. Tutors
    Of course, tutoring has evolved with the technology age as well, but again, it’s generally something people have to be able to afford in order to benefit from. However make no mistake – free or affordable good tutoring in schools is essential for students who need it. At the least, it needs to be more available for those in less fortunate families, and there has to be a middle ground between Special Education and normal paced Education when someone is struggling. The problem I fear about some of these special training programs is that they slow students down rather than helping them move forward. That is, they inadvertently teach people to give up on themselves because they’re naturally not good enough. That’s not okay, and while I 100% support and see the need for special education, there has to be a more concentrated effort than there is currently to keep people in a normal-paced curriculum who are capable.

Now as you’ll notice, a lot of things come down to availability of resources. I don’t know a ton about school budgets and money, and I’m sure not a teacher. But I have seen educational inequality and there has to be something done to fix that. Expecting students in public schools to have access to resources they may not won’t fix any problems. If we could only get people the same resources as their neighbors, we would be able to give them a fighting chance, and then it would be up to them. They could live in a fair system, and that’s necessary if we truly do, as Americans, believe that “all humans were created equal.”