It All Starts with Research, Tips for writing an Excellent Assignment

What do you think is the most essential constituent of an excellent academic assignment, a thesis, a research paper, or a dissertation?

If it’s the topic, structure, eloquence, or the subject matter that’s popped up in your mind, you’re not entirely wrong. But what makes the ultimate foundation of a killer, sure-shot assignment is research.

Yes, you heard that right!

The significance of research for an academic assignment cannot be emphasized enough. And just to give you an idea, the set of instructions provided by your supervisor must have it written very clearly that the marking criteria will depend on research and how you present it in your work.

Tips to Improve Your Academic Research Skills

A strong, highly targeted and up-to-date research infuses life in your work and makes it look professional, organised and done in line with the instructor’s advice. Here are some tips for students to improve research skills and make sure their academic assignment is a success. Read on.

Identify a Focal Point

The first step to effective and promising research is to get as specific as you can get with the topic. Identify the niche of the subject you wish to explore and direct all of your research efforts around it. This will prevent information clutter and make sure that you stay on track and find meaningful information.

Use Multiple Resources

Consult as many sources as you can. This shouldn’t be confined to only books or the internet. Explore the relevant sections in the library and seek help from online resources such as scholarly articles, journals, and other publications. This will help broaden the horizon while keeping you focused and add depth to your research.

Reach Out an Expert

If you can’t find anything in the library, on the internet, or if you’re unsure about some information, do not hesitate to seek help from an expert. It could be a friend, a senior fellow, your supervisor or a faculty member. This will ensure that you’re right on track and proceeding in the right direction.

Be Your Own Critic

The research process spans days, weeks or even months. Make sure you assess your work critically during the process. This will allow you to find loops, mistakes or contradictory statements in your work and make it convenient to resolve them on the go. Moreover, you will be able to analyse whether research is relevant to your core topic and contributing to achieving the objectives of the assignment.

Manage Your Sources

While you’re all determined and making efforts to lay a strong foundation of your assignment in the form of research, it is important to keep track of whatever sources you are consulting. This will help identify where the information is coming from and result in a substantial bibliography by the end of the assignment.