Observation:
Workshop tutors say that some students feel overwhelmed by the amount
of information they have photocopied or printed off. Here are some tips
for making the most of it:
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Tips. . .
- Go back to your research question and ask yourself what it
means
- Make sure you know how much you’re expected to write
- Underline the key words
- Write down what information you need
- Plan your essay or report — the structures are different
for each, so take advice if you’re unsure
- Work out how many words you can write on each point
- Relax for active reading!
- As you read, look for answers to your questions
- Tell yourself the main points or ideas of what you’ve
just read
- Link ideas using a mind map
- Use your word limit to guide your reading
- Reject information that is far too detailed for your purpose
- Gain confidence
- Start realising that some bits don’t fit in —
you can discard them
- Take notes in whatever way works for you
- Start writing to your plan — start with whatever seems
easiest and keep going without worrying about style. It’s
a good idea to start by stating things clearly and simply in
short sentences
- Work on your first draft — each time you work on your
draft it will get better
- Remember to write out your bibliography
- Enjoy improving your work!
- Ask someone to read what you’ve written and give you
feedback
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And finally, when you’ve followed these tips, and you
think you can improve your work by just doing a little bit more research,
then don’t be afraid to do it. Time spent on good research is
rarely wasted.
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