The training of high-level specialists requires a thorough study of the features of scientific research. Qualitative research work involves the use of a set of specific techniques, tools, and instruments of scientific analysis, which are developed in detail in the form of a specific research methodology. Scientific research is often carried out by performing essays. It is an important means of developing students’ skills of independent scientific creative work and better mastering of theoretical material.
In the course of essay writing, the student studies certain scientific problems that meet his scientific interests and bring him closer to future practical activities. The student also shows his ability to select, systematize, and creatively comprehend materials, work with special literature, make correct and reasonable conclusions, and formulate and logically express own thoughts. Since the essay is an independent, creative scientific task, it is mandatory for all college students today. Execution of this written work promotes the in-depth study of the subject and is one of the important forms of testing the level of student knowledge.
If you are having difficulty completing a college essay, you can visit the cheap essay writing service AffordablePapers and purchase cheap college essays without any problems. However, if you want to learn how to handle the task yourself, the following expert guide will be useful to you. Try to read it carefully.
Basic Stages of Writing College Essays
Before starting the work, pay attention to the main stages of essay writing. Each of them is described in detail in the sections below.
Topic Selection and Research Organization
The choice of essay topic largely determines the success of its implementation. The topic should always cover a specific issue. This means a set of theoretical or practical problems, the need to solve which arose before society as a whole or part of it. The vagueness of the wording of the topic usually leads to an unclear definition of the problem. At the same time, the chosen topic should arouse the author’s interest, and coincide with his educational and scientific interests. Only after making sure that the topic of the work is chosen correctly, you can start searching, identifying, and selecting the sources that reveal it.
The Search for Sources on the Research Topic
Achieving the goal and fulfilling the objectives of the study is impossible without studying the main sources that cover the topic. Their search must be logical, consistent, and comprehensive. First of all, it is worth reading the traditional sources presented in the funds of various libraries. These are textbooks, reference books, monographs, scientific collections, periodicals, etc. In order to find them in the library, you can use the reference and bibliographic apparatus: systematic catalog, catalog of periodicals, systematic card index of articles, local lore catalog, thematic card files, etc.
When using electronic resources, remember that these are the same textbooks, monographs, articles, essays, etc. but only in electronic form. They also have their own bibliographic information – author’s name, title, year of publication, mode and time of access, etc. The only difference is that each such electronic publication is posted on a site that has its own address.
Characteristics of the Structural Elements of an Essay
Before starting to present the text of the work it is necessary to plan its structure. Remember that the degree of disclosure depends on the correct and logical structure. It is one of the main criteria when evaluating the work. The generally accepted structure of an essay is as follows:
- The introduction, which substantiates the relevance of the chosen topic, provides a problematic situation and identifies the object and subject of research. In this part, the purpose and tasks are also formulated, and the degree of scientific research of a problem is considered;
- The main part usually consists of 2-3 paragraphs that reveal the content of the paper. This is a logical, consistent, reasoned presentation of the processed material;
- Conclusions – a summary of the main provisions and results of the work;
- A list of sources used is provided at the end of the work and includes the names of sources used;
- Appendices – tables, graphs, diagrams, charts, figures, research materials, research tools, etc.
College Paper Design Requirements
In addition to the structure requirements, there are a number of requirements for the design of the essay as a whole. In the following sections, you will find information about this.
Language and Style of Scientific Research
The language of the essay has its own peculiarities. Its most characteristic feature is the formal-logical way of presenting the material, which is embodied in the system of speech. The other important condition for ensuring the appropriate degree of scientific text is the objectivity of the material. This leads to the use in the text of insert constructions that indicate the degree of probability.
The style of written speech is an impersonal monologue. The first person form is used relatively rarely and the second person form of singular pronouns is not used at all. You should also remember that scientific language must be devoid of expression and unreasonable excessive emotionality. The dominant form of evaluation of research results is a simple statement of facts. Important conditions of the scientific text are clarity and accessibility.
Essay Formatting Requirements
Written paper must be formatted correctly in accordance with one of the common formatting styles (Chicago, MLA, APA, Harvard, etc.). Each style has its own requirements for the design of the text of the work, illustrations, tables, links, etc.
Mistakes to Avoid While Writing an Essay
Here is a list of common essay writing mistakes. Try to do the work so as to avoid them:
- The content of the work does not correspond to the outline or does not fully disclose the topic;
- The author has not shown independence, the work includes plagiarism;
- There is no in-depth and comprehensive analysis of modern scientific literature;
- The end result does not meet the purpose of the study or the conclusions do not meet the objectives;
- There are no references to primary sources in the work;
- The volume and design of the work do not meet the requirements, the work is done with errors.
Follow the expert recommendations and create excellent college papers without any difficulties!