In a world where and often determine a student’s grade, what criteria does the writing teacher use to evaluate the work of his or her students? After all, with essay writing you cannot simply mark some answers correct and others incorrect and figure out a percentage. The good news is that
is a chart used in grading essays, special projects and other more items which can be more subjective. It lists each of the grading criteria separately and defines the different performance levels within those criteria. Standardized tests like the SAT’s use rubrics to score writing samples, and designing one for your own use is easy if you take it step by step. Keep in mind that when you are using a rubric to grade essays, you can design one rubric for use throughout the semester or modify your rubric as the expectations you have for your students increase.
. The essay should have good and show the right level of . It should be organized, and the content should be appropriate and effective. Teachers also look at the overall effectiveness of the piece. When evaluating specific writing samples, you may also want to include other criteria for the essay based on material you have covered in class. You may choose to grade on the type of essay they have written and whether your students have followed the specific direction you gave. You may want to evaluate their use of information and whether they correctly presented the content material you taught. When you write your own rubric, you can evaluate anything you think is important when it comes to your students’ writing abilities. .
, and ) we will write a rubric to evaluate students’ essays. The most straightforward evaluation uses a four-point scale for each of the criteria. Taking the criteria one at a time, articulate what your expectations are for an , a and so on. Taking grammar as an example, an would be free of most grammatical errors appropriate for the student’s language learning level. A would have some mistakes but use generally good grammar. A would show frequent grammatical errors. A would show that the student did not have the grammatical knowledge appropriate for his language learning level. Taking these definitions, we now put them into the rubric.
The next step is to take each of the other criteria and define success for each of those, assigning a value to A, B, C and D papers. Those definitions then go into the rubric in the appropriate locations to complete the chart.
Each of the criteria will score points for the essay. The descriptions in the first column are each worth 4 points, the second column 3 points, the third 2 points and the fourth 1 point.
What is the grading process?
Now that your criteria are defined, grading the essay is easy. When grading a student essay with a rubric, it is best to read through the essay once before evaluating for grades . Then reading through the piece a second time, determine where on the scale the writing sample falls for each of the criteria. If the student shows excellent grammar, good organization and a good overall effect, he would score a total of ten points. Divide that by the total criteria, three in this case, and he finishes with a 3.33. which on a four-point scale is a B+. If you use five criteria to evaluate your essays, divide the total points scored by five to determine the student’s grade.
If you do, they will know exactly what your expectations are and what they need to accomplish to get the grade they desire. You may even choose to make a copy of the rubric for each paper and circle where the student lands for each criterion. That way, each person knows where he needs to focus his attention to improve his grade. The clearer your expectations are and the more feedback you give your students, the more successful your students will be. If you use a rubric in your essay grading, you can communicate those standards as well as make your grading more objective with more practical suggestions for your students. In addition, once you write your rubric you can use it for all future evaluations.
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How to design a rubric that teachers can use and students can understand.
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Last Updated: June 28, 2024 Approved
This article was co-authored by Jennifer Kaifesh and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 50 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,247,554 times.
No matter how old we are, getting good grades is a goal for many of us. Juggling homework, tests, and projects can be tough, but with a little bit of effort and dedication, you can get (and keep) your grades up. Keep reading to learn how you can stay on top of your schoolwork and put your best foot forward during class.
Joseph Meyer
Review basic concepts before diving into advanced topics. Identifying the gaps in your knowledge helps you avoid difficulties later on. Take an assessment or get your teacher's advice on where you can improve. Practice targeted exercises to build a strong foundation so you can confidently tackle new lessons.
To get good grades, stay organized by keeping a planner with all of your assignments and upcoming tests in it. Make a study schedule for each week so you know exactly how much you should study for your classes. Make sure you take good notes and participate in class so you're more prepared for tests. Try to do your homework right after school every day so you don't procrastinate. If you feel like you're struggling with a subject, don't be afraid to ask your teacher for help or meet with a tutor. For more tips, like how to study for tests, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Even the brightest students can sometimes find themselves academically underperforming, often through no fault of their own. When students find themselves in this situation, itâs often because theyâre stuck in a rut and are not sure what to do to improve. If this sounds like you, the first step is to work out the reasons why you may be underperforming, and the next step is to work out how to tackle the problem. If youâre not sure how to go about it, this article shows you what you can do to form an improvement plan to help you achieve the grades you know youâre capable of achieving.
In the face of lower-than-expected grades, itâs only human to react by feeling disappointed with oneself. When youâre frequently receiving lower grades than youâd hoped for, you may start to feel depressed or defeated, and feel like giving up. The first step on the road to improving your grades is to turn this negativity on its head. You need to be positive about the situation if youâre to stand a chance of improving it. Acknowledge that your grades arenât what youâre aiming for, but believe that you can do something about it. Start by mentally taking control of the situation: instead of thinking âIâm a failureâ, think âI can and will do better than this.â Donât give up â take positive steps towards achieving the improvement youâre more than capable of achieving.
You need to work out which areas need targeting before you can draw up a plan of action, so the next step is to figure out the areas in which youâre underperforming, and why. Are your grades consistently lower than youâd like them to be across all your subjects, or is there one particular area youâre struggling with thatâs bringing down your overall performance in a particular subject? Take a look at your grades over the last few months and look for patterns. Has there been a general decline in academic achievement, or have your grades in certain areas always been lower than youâd hoped? Are your grades always low in the same areas, such as one problem subject? Youâll probably already have a vague idea of the answers to these questions, but seeing your grades written down on paper â perhaps even in graph format â can help you see things more clearly. Next, think about the reasons why youâre not performing to your full academic potential in the areas youâve identified. Are there external factors that may be negatively affecting your grades, such as a family problem or worrying about a social situation at school? Are you struggling with any particular academic skills that might be dragging you down, such as essay-writing or note-taking? And are you studying in a way that works for you? These are all factors that could be affecting your academic performance, so once youâve isolated what the problem is â it could be a combination of more than one of these issues â youâll be able to start tackling it. If the problems are external, youâll need to take steps towards getting them to a point at which they no longer adversely affect your studies; seeing a counsellor might help, for instance. If theyâre academic, read the rest of this article for some suggestions on how you can improve.
Your teachers know you best, so itâs worth talking to them when youâre drawing up a plan of action for improving your grades. Ask them where they think you need to improve, and theyâll probably have some advice on how you can go about it. Coupled with the advice in the rest of this article, this should allow you to tailor an action plan to your personal situation.
If youâre prone to daydreaming in class, itâs time to start focusing on the here and now. Listen to what the teacher is saying rather than talking with friends or allowing your mind to wander. Donât simply copy down whatâs on the board without thinking about it; make sure youâve understood it, make neat notes so that you can understand them when you come back to them (more on that later), and donât be afraid to speak up if thereâs something you donât understand or want clarifying. Itâs much easier to ask a teacher to explain something differently than it is to trawl through books trying to find a clearer explanation for yourself, and they wonât think less of you for asking.
Clutter of any kind inhibits our ability to operate efficiently, so another way of improving your academic performance is to get organised. Keep your workspace tidy and all your notes and textbooks organised in such a way that you know where everything is. Start thinking more about your time management, too, as this will allow you to prioritise your time effectively, freeing time for problem subjects. Write yourself a daily timetable that incorporates your school schedule, dividing your day into slots of time and fitting in plenty of time for studying. Allocate extra time to subjects or topics youâve identified as being ones youâre struggling with; it could be that the reason for your underperformance in these subjects is that youâre simply not devoting enough time to them.
One of the reasons you may have identified for underperforming is that youâre not taking good enough notes. Hurriedly scrawled notes from class can be difficult to make sense of when you come to revise from them, or even to write an essay based on them. Itâs all too easy to misunderstand your own notes and fail to get a strong enough grasp of the topic. Itâs imperative, therefore, that you produce good notes from each of your classes and from the books you use â notes that you can read, that are useful, and that are logically organised. If you make notes by hand â in class, for example â try to type them up at the end of the day, while theyâre still fresh in your mind.
Another common reason for academic underperformance is that the studentâs essay-writing skills arenât sufficient for the level required to achieve top grades. This is fairly easily fixed by improving your essay-writing technique. Good essay technique covers all aspects of essay-writing, from the research phase to the final proofread, and even how you respond to the feedback you get for your essays. Responding in the right way to feedback â and not taking criticism personally â will be particularly useful if you feel youâre underperforming, as this should give you the guidance you need to be able to improve.
If youâre academically underperforming, another possible reason could be that you havenât found the right learning style for you. Weâre all different, and each of us has our own way of studying that yields the best results. Perhaps you just havenât found your most effective studying style yet. If youâve been trying to work on your own, for example, you might find it easier to work with a friend or two, so that you have someone else there to motivate you.
Many students struggle to remember all the information they need for exams, and this brings their grades down. With so much to learn across many subjects, remembering facts, figures and arguments is a pretty monumental task, and you need to arm yourself with some effective memory aids to help you. Youâll find more tips on improving your memory in our article on memory techniques for exam preparation.
One of the reasons why youâre underperforming could be that youâre spending too much time procrastinating â that is, putting off work by distracting yourself with other things, such as social media. This is a common response to a big workload; when you have so much to do that you donât know where to start, the temptation is simply not to start. The problem is that in doing so, youâre delaying the inevitable, as well as making your task worse by eating into the time when you could be productive. If youâre guilty of procrastination â and we all are at some point or another â take a look at our article on five reasons we procrastinate and how to stop it.
If youâre achieving lower scores than youâd hoped for on timed tests or mock exams, it could be because youâre not allowing enough time for revising for them. This may be because you know itâs not âthe real thingâ, but practice exams are just as important as real ones. They show you which areas you need to spend more time on, and achieving good grades in them will give you a confidence boost. Treat them as seriously as you would a real exam, allowing yourself plenty of time to revising for them. Better still, revise everything you learn as you go along, so that you learn it properly first time round and have less need for revision. Also, be sure to read our articles on effective revision techniques for science students and humanities students.
Sometimes students underperform because they have simply lost the motivation to learn. Itâs not surprising, when the pressure of exams and doing well at school takes away the enjoyment of learning. Itâs easy to get so focused on achieving top grades that you forget that learning can actually be fun â and not only that, but itâs much easier to do well when youâre enjoying it. If studying has become a chore for you, itâs time to put the fun back into learning. You could do this by gamifying your studies, or by trying some of the ideas in our article on 15 ways to make studying less stressful.
As a last resort, if the ideas in this article havenât worked for you, you might consider hiring a private tutor to help you improve your grades for a particularly tricky subject. Some extra tuition may be just what you need to help bring your grade up, as youâll benefit from one-to-one tuition in an environment in which you might feel more able to ask questions without the fear of speaking up in front of your peers. If you think this would help you, speak to your parents and suggest that they place an advert in the local paper if theyâre willing to cover the cost of private tuition for you.
A final option â best taken alongside the other advice in this article, rather than instead of it â is to book yourself onto an academic summer school. Taking part in a summer school would allow you to learn away from the pressures of the classroom and exams, reinvigorating your love of learning and inspiring you to take a more determined approach to your studies. Whatâs more, summer schools are great for helping you get to grips with trickier subjects, so this could be a good solution to your underperforming subjects as well. Take a look at our Oxford summer school courses to find one to help you start improving your grades. Itâs not just an option in the summer â ever-popular Easter revision courses are a great way to get a boost shortly before your exams.
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The transition to high school causes academic whiplash for many students. Itâs hard to adapt to a new environment and get good grades when youâre given more independence in your assignments and are expected to learn more challenging materials.
In this guide, Iâll go through the most important strategies that will help you to get good grades in high school and beyond.
Let's start with the most fundamental strategies for getting good grades. A strong foundation is the key to success!
Read the directions thoroughly on every assignment you get. If you donât follow the directions, you wonât get a good grade even if what you do would be considered solid work on a slightly different project. If your teacher tells you to write a seven-page essay, and you only write five, you'll get points taken off even if you do a good job. Don't sacrifice your grade just because you were careless or chose to ignore the instructions!
Sometimes when students misinterpret directions, they blame the teacher for giving them a bad grade. Even if you disagree with the structure of an assignment, being stubborn about it probably wonât get you anywhere. You should re-educate yourself on the expectations for the class so that you donât give the teacher another chance to deduct points from your assignments. In these cases, youâre probably just dealing with a strict teacher who likes to stick to very specific guidelines. Once you know what the his or her standards are, you will be able to reliably earn high grades.
A trait that is consistent in people who get good grades is that they pay attention in class. You may think that you can just space out in class, study hard later, and ace the test. If school has always been a breeze for you, this might be true up to a point, but it will catch up with you when you run into something that isnât as easy to understand.
If you pay attention in class, youâll spend less time studying in the long run. Why is this? Itâs because youâve already absorbed a lot of the information you need to know just by being engaged while your teacher is talking.
You can even go a step farther and take notes in class to reinforce what youâre learning in a different way. It's smart to get into this habit before college so that you donât struggle with note taking in lecture classes. If you learn how to summarize the main points of a lesson now, it will be easier for you to take notes at times when theyâre even more critical.
Class participation is another big part of this. Participation is important for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, it might be a part of your grade! In some cases, class participation accounts for ten percent or more of your final grade. Even if it isn't a part of your grade, participating in class will help you understand the material more thoroughly and let the teacher know that you care about the subject.
For me, class participation was always very difficult because I was shy and afraid that I would say the wrong thing. If you have this issue, I would recommend sitting as close to the front of the classroom as possible so that it feels like youâre just talking to the teacher and not addressing the whole class. Also, try not to overthink it! I canât tell you how many times I had an answer in my head that I decided was dumb only to hear someone else say it thirty seconds later. Even if your answer is incorrect, you should view it as a learning opportunity that may help you to understand the material better.
Often, the key to success is knowing when to ask for help, and high school classes are no exception. If you donât understand a concept, donât wait until youâve already bombed a test to get help. Approach your teacher as soon as possible, and ask if he or she would be willing to meet you after school to go over the material. By doing this, you can avoid bad grades before they happen and build a positive relationship with your teacher.
Of course, all of this is easier said than done. It's hard to ask for help if your teacher is less friendly or youâre a super independent person. If youâre worried about approaching your teacher, stick to a script. You can just say âTeacherâs Name, Iâm having some difficulty understanding this unit. I was wondering if you might be able to talk through the main concepts with me after school at some point. Iâll come up with a list of my questions.â
If you prepare a list of questions for your teacher, it will be easier for you to get the information you need and for your teacher to explain things in a way that is helpful to you. You should also remember that thereâs absolutely no shame in asking for help. Itâs really the smartest thing you can do if youâre struggling, and it will only lead to better grades in the future.
Another way of saying this is âdonât cheat,â but sometimes the definition of cheating can be nebulous. If you and your friends help each other on a homework assignment, thatâs probably fine depending on the distribution of work. However, if you directly copy a friendâs homework (even if they say itâs ok), itâs definitely a form of cheating whether or not the homework counts toward your grade.
Avoid doing this, especially if you want to get good grades in the long term. If you copy your friendsâ homework assignments, youâre committing self-sabotage. I know itâs a cliche that you only hurt yourself by cheating, but in this case it's true. If you rely too heavily on the knowledge of others for small assignments, larger assignments like tests and papers will be even more difficult since you never learned the material for yourself.
Also, don't let your parents edit your papers extensively or do the bulk of the work in figuring out homework problems. They probably mean well, but it will do you more harm than good if youâre not learning on your own terms. Eventually, youâll have to write an essay or solve math problems on a test, and you may fall short of your potential if you don't have experience doing these things independently.
Many students have trouble getting good grades in high school because they don't know how to study effectively. Here are a few of the best ways to improve your test scores through the use of smart study strategies.
Most teachers in high school assign regular homework, although some may not check it or incorporate it directly into your grade. Some students view this as a free pass to ignore homework assignments, which can is a very bad idea. In subjects like math and science in particular, homework assignments are critical if you want to gain full comprehension of the material. In math, your understanding of one unit of study is often a necessary foundation for your understanding of the next unit. Knowledge builds on itself.
If you start skipping homework assignments, you may get confused when the teacher moves on to a new unit. Ultimately, you could become completely lost and perform poorly on assignments that do count towards your grade.
Doing homework assignments will also help you psychologically. If youâre staying on top of things in a class, you'll be more confident in your knowledge. Homework assignments are a way of studying consistently over time. If you do the homework, you may not have to study as much for tests because youâll already have a solid understanding of what you need to know.
Just reading over the material before a test won't cut it unless you have a photographic memory. You need to actively absorb the information, not just skim over it and hope it will stick in your brain. Surface-level knowledge won't help you, especially when you're dealing with open-ended questions on a test. You should be able to recall the facts without any hints or prompting.
If you have review sheets to study before a test, I would recommend reading them in small, manageable sections. After you read each section carefully, look away from it and see if you can repeat the facts back to yourself. Donât move on from a section until youâre able to do this.
One thing that Iâve found very helpful in cases like this is to make up some sort of weird mnemonic. It can be an acronym or just something memorable that has a random association with the information you need to know. The more bizarre the memory device you come up with, the more likely you are to remember the facts.
After youâve read everything over yourself and feel relatively confident, you can have someone else step in and quiz you on the information. To be sure that you have a full understanding of what you need to know, you should be able to answer questions about how different facts connect to each other rather than just regurgitating the facts themselves. For example, if youâre studying for a history test, you might have someone ask you a question like âwhat were the main factors that led to the French Revolutionâ that requires you to draw from a few distinct facts to reach a separate conclusion.
There is a certain glamour for some students in the late-night pre-test cram session. However, sacrificing your sleep and sanity will not get you a better grade on the test (no matter how much cooler it might be than planning ahead).
The best way to ensure that you donât panic before a test (or on the test itself) is to make a habit of going over the material that youâve learned regularly and not just when it gets down to the wire. Youâll retain it better, and youâll get a good nightâs sleep to recharge your brain.
In the week before a big test, you can study for an hour or so every night rather than studying for five hours the night before. As you build up your knowledge, youâll feel more and more confident. On the night before the test, instead of trying to study every little detail that you need to know, you can do a quick review of the main concepts to reassure yourself that youâre in good shape.
Strategy #8: make project timelines (donât procrastinate).
If you hope to earn high grades without suffering from excessive amounts of stress, you must overcome your procrastination habits. It's especially hard to manage your time responsibly on long-term projects. It may seem like you have forever to complete the assignment, but time will always catch up with you.
If you're a procrastinator, I highly recommend making a timeline whenever you get a long-term assignment. If you have a project thatâs due in a month, set aside the first week for brainstorming, make a rough outline of the project in the second week, flesh it out as much as possible in the third week, and spend the rest of your time perfecting it. This is a vague timeline because it depends on the type of project youâre doing and what it involves, but you get the idea.
If you save the last week for polishing your work and fixing mistakes, youâll end up with a final product thatâs a much better representation of your abilities. Sticking to a schedule like this can be tough, so you might want to ask your teacher to help monitor your progress by checking in with you periodically. Some teachers already set up checkpoints for longer term projects because they know students have trouble avoiding procrastination. If this is the case, stick to the schedule and avoid falling behind!
Many of these tips will be useless if you donât keep track of all the materials for your classes. Cultivating good organizational habits will not only help you succeed in high school; it will pay off in spades when you get to college as well.
Always mark the beginning of each new unit in your notebook, and keep a binder or folder for each class. This way, when you study for tests, you wonât be freaking out about where a certain review sheet went or why there seems to be nothing relevant in your notebook. Avoid just throwing papers into your backpack. Iâve made the mistake of doing this many times in the past, and you WILL forget where you put them when you need them most.
It's also a good idea to write down your homework assignments in an agenda book so that you donât miss anything. Itâs easy to forget about smaller assignments if your brain is focused on a big project or test thatâs coming up. Even if you donât have a concrete homework assignment in every class, you should make note of any potential work you might do that night. If you have light assignments in your other classes, this will remind you to catch up on a long term project or start studying a bit for a test thatâs coming up in a week.
Worried about your GPA? Here are four strategies for raising your GPA in high school fast.
If you're not sure whether your GPA is high enough for your goals, read this article on what a good GPA means for college.
Still trying to figure out your courses? Check out our expert guide on which classes you should take in high school.
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Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.
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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > How to Get Good Grades in College: 16 Best Tips
Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: April 11, 2020
Have you been wondering how to get good grades? Here is a list of 16 hints and tips to help you improve your high school or college grades. Truthfully, the ultimate secret to getting good grades is to develop super study skills .
1. attend all your classes.
Try your absolute best to attend all of your classes. Sometimes missing a class is unavoidable, but there are enormous benefits to making sure that you never miss a class:
If you want to know how to get even better grades, organization is really key.
4. time management.
Balancing work, study, and family responsibilities can be challenging if your time is not managed carefully . Time is a valuable commodity.
Taking notes will help you at the revision and exam stage. The use of abbreviations is the best way to speed up your note taking . Your abbreviated notes should then be written out fully after class.
According to a research study on the correlation between writing and memory at Princeton University, there is a direct correlation between writing and memory. Writing involves a thinking process, resulting in greater retention of information, while typing on a keyboard can be done verbatim, without processing and reframing information, resulting in a lower rate of retention.
In order to get better grades, close your laptop and go back to old-fashioned pen and paper!
During lectures, itâs generally a good idea to write down points, which can act as memory joggers. Then, after class, you can write out these notes in full.
Another popular method is to draw out mind maps during the lecture and expand on them later on. A mind map is a visual, usually colored diagram designed to be a hierarchy of information in which main points can be expanded on in note form later on.
How to Mind Map with Tony Buzan
Another tip on writing notes well is to draft, rewrite, and proofread your work. The more comprehensive your notes are, the easier it will be to review and study them at the exam stage.
In order to become a better learner, you need to define and categorize the method by which you learn best. Once you have done this, you will have a much clearer idea of how to help yourself to process, absorb, and memorize information.
The VARK model of learning styles, developed by Neil Flemming â an educational theorist â identifies 4 distinctive categories of learners:
Assess yourself! Once you know how you learn best, you will be a far better learner.
There are plenty of online tools and resources for flashcards, mind maps, quizzes, record keeping, scheduling, and memorizing that can be highly beneficial to learning.
To save you time, we have compiled a list of excellent study resource websites. Check out the following:
14. ask for help.
Many students see asking for help as a weakness. But asking for help is a strength! It shows that you have maturity, self-awareness, and that you are able to recognise a problem before it develops. If you are struggling with your schoolwork or have a personal problem, speak to your professors about it. They are there to help you with all your needs.
In order to get the most out of your study, you need to take breaks regularly.
Set an alarm every 30 to 60 minutes and get up, close your laptop and books, and get some fresh air for 5 to 10 minutes. Do any activity that will take your mind off studying so that when you come back to it, you are feeling refreshed and energized.
Everybody knows that lack of sleep is detrimental to your health. It produces lethargy, lack of concentration and âbrain fog,â a form of mental clouding.
However, research has shown that a good nightâs sleep is not only vital for health and general well-being, but extremely beneficial for learning and memory. During sleep, our brain is not resting as is commonly believed. Findings reveal that our brain mechanisms are at work during sleep, solidifying our memories by transferring them to more permanent regions of the brain.
If you follow these 16 tips on how to get good grades, you will surely see a marked improvement on your next test scores.
If you are still undecided on your choice of study and need to balance studying for a degree with work or family commitments, University of the People is a tuition-free, American accredited university that provides world-class bachelorâs and masterâs degrees.
To learn more about us, see our informative and inspirational TED talk by Shai Reshef , founder of UoPeople.
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Writing English papers and essays can be challenging at first, but with the right tools, knowledge, and resources, you can improve your writing skills. In this article, youâll get some tips and tricks on how to write a top-graded essay in English.
Have you heard the saying âpractice makes perfectâ? Well, itâs wrong. Practice does make improvement, though. Whether youâre taking an English composition class, studying for the IELTS or TOEFL , or preparing to study abroad, you can always find new ways to practice writing in English.
If you practice on a daily basis, youâll be exercising the skills you know while challenging yourself to learn even more. There are many ways you can practice writing in English daily:
The best way to improve your writing is to read English books, news articles, essays, and other media. By reading the writing of other authors (whether theyâre native or non-native speakers), youâre exposing yourself to different writing styles and learning new vocabulary. Be sure to take notes when youâre reading so you can write down things you donât know (e.g., new words or phrases) or sentences or phrases you like.
For example, maybe you need to write a paper related to climate change. By reading news articles or research papers on this topic, you can learn relevant vocabulary and knowledge you can use in your essay.
FluentU has a great article with a list of 20 classic books you can read in English for free.
If you donât live in an English-speaking country, you may be thinking, âHow can I immerse myself in English?â There are many ways to overcome this challenge. The following strategies are especially useful if you plan to study or travel abroad:
By constantly exposing yourself to English, you will improve your writing and speaking skills.
If youâre enrolled at a university, you most likely have a free writing center you can use if you need help with your assignments. If you donât have a writing center, ask your teacher for help and for information on local resources.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
After you submit an English writing assignment, you should receive feedback from your teacher on how you did. Use this feedback to your advantage. If you havenât been getting feedback on your writing, ask your teacher to explain what issues they are seeing in your writing and what you could do to improve.
If you review your feedback on writing assignments, you might notice some recurring mistakes you are making. Make a list of common mistakes you tend to make when writing, and use it when doing future assignments. Some common mistakes include the following:
This is just a general list of writing mistakes, some of which you may make. But be sure to go through your writing feedback or talk with your teacher to make a list of your most common mistakes.
So many students sit down to write an essay without a plan. They just start writing whatever comes to their mind. However, to write a top-graded essay in English, you must plan and brainstorm before you begin to write. Here are some strategies you can use during the prewriting stage:
For more detailed information on each of these processes, read â5 Useful Prewriting Strategies.â
All writers should follow a writing process. However, the writing process can vary depending on what youâre writing. For example, the process for a Ph.D. thesis is going to look different to that of a news article. Regardless, there are some basic steps that all writers should follow:
Writing essays, theses, news articles, or papers in English can be challenging. They take a lot of work, practice, and persistence. However, with these tips, you will be on your way to writing top-graded English essays.
If you need more help with your English writing, the experts at Proofed will proofread your first 500 words for free!
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The simple answer? Good grammar is necessary, but it's not easy. You've already done countless hours of research to write the essay. You don't want to spend countless hours correcting it too.
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Daniel Wong
Updated on January 18, 2023 By Daniel Wong 21 Comments
Donât worry â youâre not alone.
Iâve spoken to thousands of students around the world, and many are quick to say:
âI study hard but I still get bad grades.â
Hereâs the thing…
Those successful students that you know? They arenât necessarily any more intelligent than the rest of the class.
Theyâve simply developed study strategies that help them perform better in school.
You can get good grades, too. Your academic goals can be achieved by studying more effectively, not by studying âharderâ.
In this article, Iâll cover the winning habits I used to be a straight-A student throughout my academic career â no all-nighters required.
Ready to stop stressing about grades and start doing better in school? Then letâs explore the useful strategies that will help you do just that.
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The first step to doing better in school isnât cracking open a textbook â itâs understanding why good grades matter.
Now, let me say this…
Your grades do not define your intelligence or self-worth.
Your academic record is only one part of your education, and you can lead a successful life with or without straight Aâs.
That being said, there are real benefits to getting good grades.
For example, a solid academic record provides more opportunities for scholarships, higher education, and employment. Academic excellence may be the bridge to your dream career.
More significant, though, are the life-changing skills youâll gain as you work toward becoming a top student â traits like focus, determination, discipline, and confidence. These values are crucial to achieving any of your goals, inside or outside the classroom.
A good grade is more than just a letter on a page. Achieving academic success after learning how to focus when studying is a rewarding experience that offers long-lasting benefits.
Now that you know the value of good grades, letâs dive into the habits that will help you get them.
We already covered why academic success is generally important.
But if you really want to know how to get good grades, itâs essential to understand why academic success matters to you .
What difference will good grades make in your life, now and in the future?
Do you have dreams of attending a specific university or following a particular career path?
Maybe you want to develop your grit and persistence â to have the confidence that comes with knowing you gave school your best effort. Or perhaps you want financial security and the ability to provide for your family in the future.
Thereâs no right or wrong here. Just ensure that your motivation for pursuing academic excellence is a compelling one.
Even with the best study habits, it isnât easy to consistently put in the work required to get good grades.
Sometimes, youâll want to quit. When youâre feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, come back to your why . It will put all those study sessions in perspective â and make the journey to becoming a successful and resilient student a more rewarding one, too.
Upcoming exams. Project assignments. Events and extra-curricular activities.
Youâre a busy student with a lot of dates to remember.
Itâs normal to think that you can keep track of all your deadlines in your head. The only problem is, relying on memory (and memory alone) doesnât work for anyone.
Instead, it leads to forgotten assignments, last-minute panic, and low-quality work.
Thereâs a simple way never to forget another assignment again. Write down every due date. Use Google Calendar or Google Keep. You can even jot it down in an old-fashioned notebook.
Choose the medium that works for you.
The less you stress about deadlines, the more energy youâll have for completing your assignments. Youâll become a more effective student and you’ll free up valuable mental capacity for the things that matter.
In your calendar, take a moment and block out time for relaxation.
Thatâs right. Not only am I permitting you to schedule downtime, Iâm encouraging you to do so.
Relaxation is necessary for mental and physical well-being. Youâre not a robot â no one expects you to study like one.
Pursue the activities you love. Allow your mind to be at play. Your overall health and happiness will improve, and youâll become a better student in the process.
Thatâs because exercise improves concentration and creativity. Relaxation promotes memory and retention.
Free time to pursue the activities you love outside of academics develops a school-life balance â a lifelong pursuit that brings more meaning to your goals and joy to your life.
Even small blocks of relaxation are helpful. Most students can only maintain deep focus for 30 to 45 minutes at a go. Scheduling short intervals of downtime after longer chunks of work is a strategic and fun way to approach assignments.
And try not to use your phone or computer during your quick study breaks. As studies have shown , your brain wonât fully relax, and the distraction often makes it more challenging to go back to the task at hand.
Can you choose where you sit in class? Then grab a seat at the front of the room.
Studies show that students who sit in the first few rows tend to get significantly higher exam scores than their peers.
Why does sitting at the front of the class make such a big difference in test scores?
One reason is focus. If youâre at the back of the room, itâs easy to become distracted by your classmates. If you sit at the front, your attention will be on the teacher â not what is happening around you.
Then thereâs the issue of accountability. If youâre tucked away in a corner, itâs easy to get away with passing notes, dozing off, or doodling.
Set yourself up for success by controlling as much of your environment as possible, and youâll stop fretting about how to get good grades.
Now that youâre sitting at the front of the class, youâre ready to take notes as you actively listen to your teacher.
Youâve got your notebook open and your pen in hand. What more do you need to know?
For one, there’s how to take notes effectively.
Thereâs a structure to note-taking that works . Otherwise, you risk jotting down ideas that make little sense later on.
Here are some tips for note-taking success:
Handwrite your notes
Handwriting your notes helps you to process and frame the information in a way that works for you.
Youâll think more deeply about what youâre writing and, as a result, remember more from the lesson during your study sessions later.
Organise your notes
Whichever note-taking method you use, keep your notes neat and organised.
Group together similar ideas. Copy your notes after class if your handwriting is messy and hard to read. Clear, easy-to-navigate notes are crucial for anyone struggling with how to get good grades.
Many students think that studying is all about memorisation.
So they make heaps of notecards for dates, facts and names, then hope they can retain enough information for the exam day.
The problem with memorising information is that it only works for the short term.
Have you ever taken an exam, only to forget most of the material a few weeks later? Thatâs because memorisation is not an effective way to categorise and recall information â skills that become increasingly important as you progress in your studies.
Youâll learn more and become more successful in school when you actually understand the topic at hand.
Note-taking is an excellent first step towards processing information. From your notes, summarise the material. Find connections with other topics, and draw your own conclusions.
When you realise that getting good grades is less about memorising the material and more about understanding the topic, youâll find it much easier to perform well academically.
The students who do the best know they canât wait for inspiration to study.
Instead, they consistently show up and do the work, even when they donât feel like it.
Youâll become a more efficient student when you make your study routine a habit. Soon, you wonât have the mental debate over whether or not you should study. Youâll just do it.
And thatâs when the magic happens â better grades and more time for the other activities you enjoy.
The first step to creating a study routine is to set up a schedule. Plan out your week in advance with set blocks of time for your studies. Faithfully stick to your plan.
It typically takes a few weeks to form a new habit, so donât be discouraged if you find it difficult at the start to follow your routine. With time and dedication, your study schedule will become second nature.
Thereâs no sugar-coating it: If youâre asking how to get better grades, youâll need to perform well on exams.
But what if youâre not good at taking tests ?
Many students get test-taking anxiety or struggle with exam pressure. But you can still perform well on exams, even if youâre not a confident test taker. Hereâs how:
Manage your time wisely
When you see the exam paper, note the total number of questions. Calculate how much time you can allocate to each question to finish within the testing period.
If you come to a question youâre unsure about, move on when you reach your self-imposed time limit. Then, you wonât miss answering the questions you do know how to do.
Avoid common mistakes
One of my top tips for how to get good grades is to avoid small errors. Always read questions twice to prevent misreading. If you’re shading your multiple-choice answers, check that youâre shading the answer that corresponds with the correct question.
When youâre nervous, itâs easy to make silly mistakes. Come equipped with the right tools and test-taking practices to stop anxiety in its tracks.
Stay focused for the entire exam
Staying focused is easier said than done. If youâre finding it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand, take a break!
Put your pencil down. Take a sip of water. Breathe deeply. Itâs better to pause for a moment to regain clarity than speed through the rest of your exam.
Want to improve your grades by 20-30% right away? Check out my ultimate guide to acing tests and get 58 pages of my best exam-taking tips.
Your teachers and parents want to help you in your pursuit of academic success. If you need support, donât be afraid to ask for it.
A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that students who ask for help are more likely to get straight Aâs.
Thatâs not surprising.
But what if I told you the same study found that only 1 in 5 students take the time to ask their instructors for support?
Be one of the few who asks for help when they need it. Youâll likely discover that you no longer worry about how to do better in school.
Youâve worked hard to get good grades. When you’ve made progress in terms of your habits and attitude, itâs time to celebrate!
Rewarding yourself now will help you continue to get good grades in the future.
The key is to connect the increased effort to a positive feeling or outcome. Youâll stay motivated to continue working hard â and it’ll make studying more fun too!
Remember, learning how to get good grades is just as important as finding school-life balance. Rewarding yourself when you make progress is an excellent way to do that.
You’re already capable of getting good grades.
All you need are the right strategies to help you become a more effective student.
I guarantee that the tips in this article will help, so try them out today!
June 30, 2021 at 6:19 pm
I have my test the day after tomorrow. Thank you for posting this.
June 30, 2021 at 6:29 pm
You’re welcome. All the best for your test!
June 30, 2021 at 6:40 pm
This is a very well written article! Thank you
June 30, 2021 at 6:44 pm
Glad you like it!
June 30, 2021 at 10:07 pm
Thanks a lot for writing this article…It’s really very helpful..đ
July 1, 2021 at 7:27 am
You’re welcome đ
July 1, 2021 at 1:36 am
Just received this email as I am about to do three papers tomorrow. Well written article nevertheless.
May your three papers go well!
July 2, 2021 at 12:00 am
Fast Forward to a day later…the papers really went well! Thanks once again.
July 2, 2021 at 7:23 am
That’s great!
July 1, 2021 at 1:14 pm
Just read this as I am trying to understand concepts in Math. This article definitely is helping.
July 1, 2021 at 1:43 pm
Great to know that.
October 3, 2021 at 3:50 pm
This article was really helpful. I was struggling to get good grades but did not how. This one helped me to figure out. Thank you for writing this article.
October 5, 2022 at 4:13 am
really helped me write an essay. Thanks.
February 24, 2023 at 2:46 am
Thank you for your advice, it real encourages me to study hard and believing on myself
March 15, 2023 at 4:19 am
Thanks, this really helped!
October 16, 2023 at 4:37 pm
October 16, 2023 at 4:39 pm
April 8, 2024 at 1:04 am
This is a really informative article. I now know how to get good grades in school.
April 27, 2024 at 1:44 am
Thanks a lot for this really useful article Looking forward to enjoying these steps although they ain’t easy at first.
May 16, 2024 at 5:04 pm
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Free downloadable english gcse past papers with mark scheme.
Typical essay structure, 7 steps to writing a good essay, a step-by-step guide to writing a good essay.
Whether you are gearing up for your GCSE coursework submissions or looking to brush up on your A-level writing skills, we have the perfect essay-writing guide for you. đŻ
Staring at a blank page before writing an essay can feel a little daunting . Where do you start? What should your introduction say? And how should you structure your arguments? They are all fair questions and we have the answers! Take the stress out of essay writing with this step-by-step guide â youâll be typing away in no time. đ©âđ»
Generally speaking, an essay designates a literary work in which the author defends a point of view or a personal conviction, using logical arguments and literary devices in order to inform and convince the reader.
So â although essays can be broadly split into four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive â an essay can simply be described as a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. đ€
The purpose of an essay is to present a coherent argument in response to a stimulus or question and to persuade the reader that your position is credible, believable and reasonable. đ
So, a âgoodâ essay relies on a confident writing style â itâs clear, well-substantiated, focussed, explanatory and descriptive . The structure follows a logical progression and above all, the body of the essay clearly correlates to the tile â answering the question where one has been posed.
But, how do you go about making sure that you tick all these boxes and keep within a specified word count? Read on for the answer as well as an example essay structure to follow and a handy step-by-step guide to writing the perfect essay â hooray. đ
Sometimes, it is helpful to think about your essay like it is a well-balanced argument or a speech â it needs to have a logical structure, with all your points coming together to answer the question in a coherent manner. âïž
Of course, essays can vary significantly in length but besides that, they all follow a fairly strict pattern or structure made up of three sections. Lean into this predictability because it will keep you on track and help you make your point clearly. Letâs take a look at the typical essay structure:
Start your introduction with the central claim of your essay. Let the reader know exactly what you intend to say with this essay. Communicate what youâre going to argue, and in what order. The final part of your introduction should also say what conclusions youâre going to draw â it sounds counter-intuitive but itâs not â more on that below. 1ïžâŁ
Make your point, evidence it and explain it. This part of the essay â generally made up of three or more paragraphs depending on the length of your essay â is where you present your argument. The first sentence of each paragraph â much like an introduction to an essay â should summarise what your paragraph intends to explain in more detail. 2ïžâŁ
This is where you affirm your argument â remind the reader what you just proved in your essay and how you did it. This section will sound quite similar to your introduction but â having written the essay â youâll be summarising rather than setting out your stall. 3ïžâŁ
No essay is the same but your approach to writing them can be. As well as some best practice tips, we have gathered our favourite advice from expert essay-writers and compiled the following 7-step guide to writing a good essay every time. đ
#2 complete background reading.
#3 Make a detailed plan
#5 flesh out your essay in a rough draft, #6 evidence your opinion, #7 final proofread and edit.
Now that you have familiarised yourself with the 7 steps standing between you and the perfect essay, letâs take a closer look at each of those stages so that you can get on with crafting your written arguments with confidence .
This is the most crucial stage in essay writing â r ead the essay prompt carefully and understand the question. Highlight the keywords â like âcompare,â âcontrastâ âdiscuss,â âexplainâ or âevaluateâ â and let it sink in before your mind starts racing . There is nothing worse than writing 500 words before realising you have entirely missed the brief . đ§
Unless you are writing under exam conditions , you will most likely have been working towards this essay for some time, by doing thorough background reading. Re-read relevant chapters and sections, highlight pertinent material and maybe even stray outside the designated reading list, this shows genuine interest and extended knowledge. đ
Following the handy structure we shared with you above, now is the time to create the âskeleton structureâ or essay plan. Working from your essay title, plot out what you want your paragraphs to cover and how that information is going to flow. You donât need to start writing any full sentences yet but it might be useful to think about the various quotes you plan to use to substantiate each section. đ
Having mapped out the overall trajectory of your essay, you can start to drill down into the detail. First, write the opening sentence for each of the paragraphs in the body section of your essay. Remember â each paragraph is like a mini-essay â the opening sentence should summarise what the paragraph will then go on to explain in more detail. đïž
Next, it's time to write the bulk of your words and flesh out your arguments. Follow the âpoint, evidence, explainâ method. The opening sentences â already written â should introduce your âpointsâ, so now you need to âevidenceâ them with corroborating research and âexplainâ how the evidence youâve presented proves the point youâre trying to make. âïž
With a rough draft in front of you, you can take a moment to read what you have written so far. Are there any sections that require further substantiation? Have you managed to include the most relevant material you originally highlighted in your background reading? Now is the time to make sure you have evidenced all your opinions and claims with the strongest quotes, citations and material. đ
This is your final chance to re-read your essay and go over it with a fine-toothed comb before pressing âsubmitâ. We highly recommend leaving a day or two between finishing your essay and the final proofread if possible â youâll be amazed at the difference this makes, allowing you to return with a fresh pair of eyes and a more discerning judgment. đ€
If you are looking for advice and support with your own essay-writing adventures, why not t ry a free trial lesson with GoStudent? Our tutors are experts at boosting academic success and having fun along the way. Get in touch and see how it can work for you today. đ
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It’s been a long time since I wrote an essay so I’ve delegated the discussion of this topic to Dr. Genevieve Carlton. She’s had a lot of experience writing and grading papers. We appreciate her advice and you should too.
A college paper is the standard assignment in humanities and social sciences. You need to master writing essays if you want to earn the best grades. But writing papers isn’t just about the grade. It’s about honing your language and persuasion skills – the most powerful tools you always have at your disposal.Â
If youâre intimidated by the basic five-page paper, you arenât alone. But college essays are not rocket science. Regardless of whether youâre writing a paper for history, English, sociology, psychology, or any other class, these simple methods will raise your grade on any college paper.
Let’s jump in.
There are a lot of different approaches to writing an essay, but they all share one thing: start early! Never put off writing an essay until the last minute, youâll make sloppy mistakes or risk late penalties that will destroy your grade. Instead, start at least two weeks before the due date. Btw, Shovel makes this easy. Just set that you want to get started 14 days before the essay is due. Shovel will let you know if it’s enough time and will remind you when to get started.Â
Why is it so important to start early? If you pull an all-nighter right before the due date, it will show. Youâll end up with mediocre argument, poor evidence, and a lack of polish… trust me, professors can tell. And youâll miss out on the opportunities to gain feedback from your professor during your writing process.
Thereâs no secret formula to writing a perfect paper right before the deadline. Writing a great paper takes time, so you need to start early.
Some professors might not admit it, but hereâs the truth: every professor wants something slightly different from your paper.
Your English professor wants you to emphasize narrative styles, while your art history professor cares about technique. Your history professor wants quotes from the reading, while your psychology professor expects you to summarize (and cite!) the sources. One professor might knock off points for using in-line citation, while another hates footnotes. Even professors in the same department might want completely different essays.
So how are you supposed to figure out what your professor wants? Itâs easy: study the assignment and ask questions. Even better, ask if your professor uses a grading rubric for essays. Then youâll know exactly what your professor wants to see.
Studying the assignment is your key to getting an A on every paper. Your professor tells you exactly what he or she is looking for: will you be graded largely on your argument, your evidence, or your grammar? Does the professor want a persuasive argument or a descriptive argument? If the assignment doesnât say, ask! You can easily raise your grade from the middle of the bell curve to top of the class just by making sure youâre writing the paper your professor wants to see.
Hereâs the good news: if youâre on top of your course reading, youâve already done half the work the day your professor hands out the paper topics.
Most essay assignments come directly from the reading: Create an analysis of race in Huck Finn. Explain Machiavelliâs attitude on power in The Prince. Compare and contrast two perspectives on World War II.
You have a major advantage if you read the material closely. And donât just read: highlight the most important passages, write down the key arguments, and take notes on the major points. If you do that, youâve literally done half the work for your paper.
So donât cut corners when it comes to the assigned reading. In fact, read with an essay question in mindââlook for the quotes that youâll use to build your argument now, and it will be much easier to build your evidence list later.
College essays come in many shapes and sizes, from persuasive to argumentative, and from narrative to analytical. But they often follow a similar format: the standard five-paragraph essay, drilled into every high school studentâs mind. And unless the assignment requests something different, use the five-paragraph essay as your template for most college essays.
As a reminder, the five-paragraph essay opens with your introduction paragraph, which ends with your thesis statement, or argument. The next three body paragraphs lay out your evidence. The essay wraps up with a conclusion, where you reiterate your point.
That same format works for everything from a three-page analytical essay to a fifteen-page research paper. Youâll obviously need more body paragraphs in a longer paper, and in any argumentative paper youâll want to address counter-arguments or problems in your argument. But use the five-paragraph template to create an outline for your paper.
Professors can nearly always spot an essay written at the last minute. And hereâs why: they ramble; they donât have a clear structure; they wander from point to point without building to anything. Needless to say, those papers donât earn high grades.
You can avoid that pitfall by writing a strong outline before drafting the essay.
An outline helps you arrange your ideas before you begin drafting the paper. Start by re-reading the assignment and jotting down the main topics your paper must address. And then think about how to order them: which of the two readings should you discuss first? Where should you address counter-arguments? Should your descriptive paragraph come right after your introduction, or can it wait until page two?
Essentially, writing an outline forces you to think about how to make your argument. It doesnât need to be a polished document, because it will evolve as you work on the paper. At this stage, your outline might look more like a list of paragraph topics, with not much else filled in. But having that framework helps ensure that your essay stays focused on the topic.
Donât start by writing your introduction. The introduction is the absolutely most important part of any paper. Within that first paragraph, your professor is already deciding whether youâve submitted an A paper or not.
So leave the introduction until youâre able to write the most focused, best paragraph that youâve ever created.
Instead, start with your evidence. Read the essay prompt and make a list of the crucial evidence. Use your notes on the reading to pull out the strongest building blocks for your case. Write down examples you want to pull from lectures. Collect a list of the best quotes from the readings.
And look at your outline. Start filling in the examples youâll use in each paragraph.
Once you have an evidence list, it will be much easier to craft your body paragraphs, the meat of your paper where you lay out your argument. Now that you know your evidence, itâs time to hone your argument.
The argument, or thesis statement, is the most important sentence in your paper. That one sentence lays out your answer to the essay prompt and sets up your body paragraphs. So it has to be great.
While youâre creating your evidence list, jot down a few potential arguments. Donât pick one just yet, though. Instead, try on a few different arguments and see if you have the evidence to support them. Stay open to changing your argument.
Your thesis statement will look different in an expository essay versus an argumentative essay. But the general idea is the same: your argument sums up your paperâs point of view. So make sure itâs strong.
And hereâs one important rule for all types of papers: never, ever have a thesis statement that just says âYesâ or âNo.â Your argument should always explain why. If the essay prompt gives you a statement and asks you to agree or disagree, explain why. If the prompt tells you to pick one side of a debate, explain why. Just make sure you have the evidence to back it up.
Thatâs right, there are seven steps before you get to actually write the essay. Thatâs one reason you need to start early.
Before you start writing your paper, you should have a clear roadmap for your argument and evidence. You should know what the professor wants, and you should have an outline to answer the essay prompt. You should feel confident that you understand the reading and that youâve pulled out the major points.
Thenââand only thenââitâs time to start writing.
Start with your body paragraphs, incorporating the examples from your outline and evidence list. Open each paragraph with a topic sentence, which tells your reader what to expect from the following paragraph. Add your citations as you go, whether as footnotes or inline citationsââit will save time to include them now instead of going back to add them later. After writing a paragraph, re-read it. Edit as you go to polish your ideas and make sure you arenât leaving out any evidence.
Once you have a draft of your body paragraphs, create the conclusion. And then go back to write the introduction. Save your professor grief by avoiding opening sentences like âSince the dawn of time . . .â or âThe Oxford English Dictionary defines . . .â The last thing you write should be your thesis statement.
Youâve finished a complete draft of your paperââcongratulations! But youâre not done yet.
No one makes a better editor than the person grading your essay. So you should always check whether your professor or TA will review a draft of your paper before the due date. Ask if they have a policy about reading draftsââor at least ask if theyâll read your first paragraph, which will make or break your grade.
Be prepared to send your professor or TA a full or partial draft at least three or four days before the deadline. Even though some professors have a policy against reading drafts, it never hurts to ask. And itâs a guaranteed way to improve your paper, since youâll get feedback from the person assigning your grade.
The biggest mistake students make in papers is never revisingââin fact, most students donât even proofread. Professors notice sloppy mistakes like grammatical errors and typos, and it automatically weakens your grade. It tells the professor you didnât take the assignment seriously enough to leave time for revisions.
Aim to have a full draft at least three days before the due date, so youâll have time to perfect your paper. What should you look for when revising? Eliminate any typos, correct your grammar, and delete any dumb mistakes, like sentences that simply end in the middle of a thought (yes, Iâve seen that in multiple papers). Thatâs the easy step.
Now re-read your introduction. Go back to your outline and evidence list. Can you strengthen your argument, now that youâve compiled your evidence? Can you do a better job connecting the evidence back to your argument? Look for weaknesses in your paper. Are there holes in your argument? Are there obvious counter-examples you need to address?
Imagine youâre the professor, red pen poised over the paper, and ask yourself how to make your paper stronger.
Once you complete the revisions, submit the essay and take a break. Youâve earned it.
You didnât think you were done just because you turned in the paper, right?
When it comes to college, analyzing your results is almost as important as writing the paper in the first place. Your graded essay tells you everything you need to know to ace the next paper for that professor. So study the commentsââthe line edits, the marginal suggestions, and the scrawl on the final page, right above your grade.
Did you lose points because you didnât follow the proper citation style? Correct it next time. Was your argument unclear? Put an extra hour into honing your argument on the second paper. Whatever you missed this time, learn from it, so you donât lose more points on the next assignment.
The last thing most college students want to do after submitting an essay is to rewrite it. But youâd be surprised how many students lose the opportunity to improve their grades, simply because they donât ask about rewrites.
So if you earned less than an A on your paper, it really canât hurt to ask the professor if you can rewrite using their feedback. Some professors will automatically say no, but others will let you submit a revised version for a higher grade.
When youâre rewriting the paper, donât simply correct the typos and submit againââprofessors might feel like youâre wasting their time if you donât listen to their comments. You might need to add more sources or strengthen your argument. It might require several hours of work. But if that means raising your grade on a significant assignment, itâs time well spent.
Yes, writing an essay the right way is a time-intensive process. And cutting corners is easier than ever, thanks to the internet. But plagiarismâârepresenting any work as your own when itâs notââis never the right choice.
It might seem easier than writing your own paper, but itâs not. I guarantee it. Hereâs why: itâs easy to plagiarize. Google any topic and youâll find a dozen or more essays. But the cost is too high.
Take it from a professorââplagiarism is shockingly easy to notice. Essays that donât answer the assignment, or that only cite books not assigned in class. Papers with five-syllable words in one paragraph and typos in the next, or that switch voices halfway through. Papers that include complicated ideas not mentioned in classââor that leave out core concepts from lecture. These all set off a professorâs plagiarism detector. And then thereâs actual plagiarism detection software. In short, thereâs a good chance youâll get caught.
Most colleges have a no plagiarism policy. That means if your professor finds out you plagiarized, you could get an automatic zero on the assignment, or even in the class. You could get suspended from school or even expelled.
Itâs not worth it to game the system.Â
Essays make up a big part of your grade in some classesââin most of mine, for example, papers accounted for 30% or more of the final grade. That means you should spend a significant amount of time on those papers.
What does that mean? You need to master time management for college papers.
Itâs not always easy to figure out how much time you need to write a paper. Itâs different for every student, and sometimes different for every paper. Some students can craft a perfect essay in just a few hours, while others require double that time or more. Starting early is one of the best ways to manage your time. That way the deadline wonât sneak up on you.
Consider using a tool like the Shovel app to manage your time. Shovel lets you schedule blocks of time in advance, so youâll never run out. You can budget time for research and outlining, writing drafts, and revising the paper. And Shovel can also track your time, so youâll know how long it takes to write a paper. The next time you tackle an essay, youâll have an even better idea how much time you need. And if you start tracking now, youâll benefit for your next four years of writing papersââbecause youâre going to write a lot in college.
Depending on your major, you might find yourself working on multiple papers every week, especially near the end of the semester. And as long as you schedule out the time in advance, youâll never get stuck rushing to finish an essay at the last minute.
If you study the assignment, plan out your essay before you start writing, and always leave time for revisions, you can easily raise your grade on any college paper.
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Writing an essay should never be an end in itself. You have to perfect it through rating. Evaluating your essay makes sure it is 100% accurate and does not contain any deliberate errors.
A good essay should be void of plagiarism traces, bad sentence structures, and grammatical and spelling issues. All the essential aspects of a good essay should always be observed. Perfecting your essay before the submission is an important step that can make a huge difference.Â
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1. read through it.
Reading through the paper before submission enables you to get rid of all minor and major mistakes. If you rushed to finish the essay, you might skim it instead of doing a perfect revision.
Reading through needs time so that you can identify all mistakes.
Check for superb quality and ensure that the grammar, spelling, and tenses are all correct. Above all, if you have any citations and references, ensure they are accurate.
Perhaps having someone else read through your essay will be more helpful. Another person cannot skim through the essay and may be able to see smaller mistakes. Even though you are the one who wrote it, another friend reading your paper is in a better position to identify mistakes that you cannot see.
An expert has experience in proofreading and editing essays. Good experts have gone through different essays in all fields of study. This gives them a better advantage to spot all the mistakes that you cannot see.
Experts who specialize in college essays have previously taught students and some of them have even published their books on essay writing. As such, they are familiar with the styles, academic rules, and expectations of your professor. It puts them in a better position to evaluate and rate your essay.
Specialists can point out the various mistakes in terms of language use, proper citation, documentation, and general formatting of essays. If you obey all their observations, it gives you a better chance to submit a perfect essay.
Not all students are equal in academics. Others will be good at essays and have a deeper knowledge than you. Rightly so, comparing your essays with theirs can enable you to know if you are on the right track.
You can discuss with colleagues and find better ways of perfecting your essay.
Your school instructors are also in a better position to evaluate your essay.
This is the best person to give you directions by showing you the areas you have gone wrong in essay writing.
Make your teacher your best friend and your essay writing skills will improve.
Getting bad feedback on your essay can be demoralizing but you have to take it as a learning point as you aim to perfect your skills. Just as you use old exam to revise and study.
If you compare your essay with the previous ones that received an A grade, you can know where you have gone wrong.
Essays that have been awarded an A grade are simply outstanding. They have a compelling thesis, coherent structure, a persuasive argument, and properly integrated evidence. There is a lot you can borrow from A-graded essays.
As usual, essays come with different types of instructions from your tutor. A good way of rating your essay is to go through the instructions again and know where you did not follow what the tutor wants.
Most model essays do not require editing or polishing. They are simply strong essays with a clear structure that can help you in evaluating your essays. If you compare your essay to these models, you can acquire new ideas and improve your essay writing skills.
Model essays give you an idea of techniques you can use to write common essay topics.
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Students and professors have never agreed on what constitutes a good essay. However, learning institutions set their standard on what they expect from you before they can give your essay a good grade.
As a serious student, it is paramount to check the quality of your essay before submission. The following are more ways of checking the quality:
Submitting an essay without proofreading is committing academic irresponsibility. Go through the essay several times to get rid of all mistakes.
Proofreading manually and using other software tools to perfect your essay.
Editing goes hand in hand with proofreading. Look out for all spelling, grammar, and sentence mistakes and make the necessary changes.
If you find it hard to point out your own mistakes, ask a friend to read your essay.
Grammarly is a perfect tool you can use to check the quality of your essay. It not only checks spelling and grammar mistakes in your essay but also identifies plagiarism errors.
After proofreading manually, use Grammarly to perfect your editing.
Matching your essay with others is also a way of improving its quality. You will discover new styles of writing and presenting your arguments .
Through comparison, you can pick up new writing strategies and ideas that can improve your essay before you submit it.
1. uploading a draft for the tutor to grade.
A draft will be good because the teacher will give you a rough grade before you make a final submission. This gives you a chance to make any necessary amendments that can help you achieve a higher grade.
Students are usually eager to know how the professor is going to rate their essays. What is important is the final grade your essay will get. You can wait for a grade from your professor but this needs patients because many essays are being evaluated.
Professors award each part of the essay a percentage. The thesis, evidence, analysis, and writing will determine your final grade.
If you are not sure about the quality of your essay, you can use essay graders before submitting it to your tutor. Online essay graders can help you to point out the mistakes and help to improve your writing skills.
Some top-notch editors will review your paper and grade it.
A classroom assistant is a teaching aide who can also help you to check the grade of your essay. A teaching assistant provides a lot of support to teachers on different learning aspects and this includes essays.
Your TA can read your essay and tell you if it is an A grade or an F grade.Â
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It is demoralizing and frustrating to receive negative feedback after submitting your essay. Every student wants their essay to score a good grade.
Rating your essay before submission provides the perfect avenue for you to get rid of mistakes that can affect the grade. With proper editing and proofreading skills, the rating can be the game-changer that will give your essay an A grade.
When you rate your essay by seeking tutor advice, proofreading, or comparing with colleagues, you stand a chance to make it perfect. You can enhance your writing style and the coherence of the entire essay.
Rating an essay requires that you reread it and identify any significant issues. It makes it easy to evaluate the paragraph structure and the general organization of the essay.
After rating your essay, you can correct the minor mistakes which are likely to affect the grade. A good essay rating helps you get rid of inconsistency, punctuation errors, grammar mistakes, and all manners of redundancy.
In the end, you will submit a better essay to your professor with a high chance of getting good grades.
With over 10 years in academia and academic assistance, Alicia Smart is the epitome of excellence in the writing industry. She is our chief editor and in charge of the writing department at Grade Bees.
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Since 2006, oxbridge essays has been the ukâs leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service.
We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.
The essay marking service we provide here at Oxbridge Essays seeks to provide students with a better insight into their own essay writing so they can, in turn, improve their grades. But how do we go about marking your essay, dissertation or other assignment? What do we look at? What feedback do we give? How do we arrive at an estimated grade for your work? How can all of this help you in your own writing? And, how does this compare to the marking process your university tutor or lecturer will use? If you're interested in knowing how the academic marking process really works (and you should be â it will help you immensely), then read on.
When writing essays, it can be challenging to take a step back and read your work as the audience would. For students, this audience is usually a lecturer or tutor: a person with the power to give good or bad grades. That's why having a professional pair of eyes review your work before you submit it can be invaluable.
What we look for in a great essay is likely to be the same as what your tutor is looking for. Where we differ is in the level of attention devoted to providing feedback. We are not just seeking to critique your essay â our ultimate aim is to help you improve your essay to its very best potential.
It may sound obvious, but no two markers are the same. We are human beings, after all. We may have different stylistic preferences, and what interests us will vary. Despite this, there are certain constant elements that go into writing a great essay . We look for these elements during the marking process and then give feedback on any areas that need attention. In this sense, we are the critical reader to you as an academic writer .
The first thing a marker will likely do is examine the writerâs brief. This indicates essay type, subject and content focus, word limit and any other set requirements. The brief gives us the guidelines by which to mark the essay. With these expectations in mind, critical reading of your essay begins. There are five key elements that we examine, all of which form the basis of any great essay :
A well-crafted essay will have a clear sense of structure. This is the template upon which to hang your message. Get your structure right and youâre well on the way to creating a great essay. Getting it right is all about organisation and ensuring you include all the necessary elements. The essential structural components of any essay should be an introduction, the main body and a conclusion.
An effective introduction sets the scene immediately. Within the first few sentences, it should be obvious what the rest of the essay is about. The context of the question and, therefore, the overall scope of the essay should also be explicit. This manages the readerâs expectations for the rest of their experience reading, and marking, your piece of work. The more satisfying introductions justify both the question itself and any areas of particular focus.
So, while seeking to improve an essay, we look for whether the writer has answered the what, where, who and why questions in the introduction. What is the writing about? Yes, the essay title gives us some idea but here is where we expect to see it made explicit. Who is it written for, and why? Where is it relevant?
Of course, the question of how tends to be the focus of the main body of the essay. And the main body forms the bulk of your assignment. Its organisation will depend on the type of exercise you have undertaken, and what requirements and constraints have been set by your assessors. We always take these points into consideration when marking. Markers are also aware of formatting conventions and are sensitive to these when developing critical feedback. Independent of these constraints, we check your work to determine how well different sections relate to each other and that there is a logical flow of content. This flow is the primary demonstrator that you have understood what you are writing about and how you should be presenting it. Logical flow can easily make the difference between grades. When marking your work, we aim to give you pointers on how to strengthen this area.
A strong essay conclusion serves to summarise to your assessor how well you can reflect on what you have written about. It is another vital part of the whole picture that we look to ensure youâve mastered. We check to see if your ideas have been brought together and are coherent. If we see it, your assessor will too.
Here is where we assess how well you have understood the question and how much you know about the subject. We do more than simple fact checking (though we do ensure you have got your stuff right). We want to see how clear things are and if theyâve been linked together in the right way. We ask, how well is your message conveyed?
Often, in academic writing, it can be tempting to cram as much detail into a sentence as possible. Or to include every single point of view on the topic in hand. Really, this is the wrong way to go. At first glance, it may seem a point of style, but the best way to show your understanding of a subject is to lay your knowledge and research out in plain terms. And keep your work focused. This level of clarity is something we examine. You can find some helpful tips on perfecting your essay writing style here .
Despite a need for focus, we do expect to see breadth and depth of knowledge. This means you provide a suitable level of detail to answer the question but also evidence of a wider understanding of the subject. In short, has the detail been put into context?
Is it clear that you understand what you talk about? We have mentioned this already, but itâs the main thing your examiners are looking for, so it bears repeating. The facts youâve researched, the way youâve worded and structured them, the logical flow between them, and any insights youâve discussed all contribute towards this. Your level of comprehension is foremost in the markerâs mind.
Have all things been considered? Are there any issues left out or missed? Sometimes, youâll intentionally omit an area, and so this should be indicated when you talk about scope in the introduction. But if youâve missed something and it seems like youâve just forgotten it, we will remind you.
Focus â do things stay on track or are there any digressions? Thereâs nothing wrong with tangents, as long as they add to the story. We assess exactly the value of each phrase in the work and let you know if anything is diluting your message. Remember, your marker is knowledgeable in your area of study. If we donât understand it, chances are your tutors wonât either.
To get the good grades, this is an area to give attention to. Convincing the reader of your argument is, essentially, what essay writing is all about. This is about how youâve used the information to tell your story or make your point. What we look for here are coherence and evidence. Argument needs to be seen strongly throughout the work. Do you follow your line of argument right through and are counterarguments presented? Weâll let you know if, and where, your particular argument is well-formulated and substantiated. Most important for you, we give feedback on any holes in your logic.
As said, we look to see if the argument is solid, well-reasoned, examined from all angles and supported by evidence. This support comes from the literature. As we cast a critical eye on your writing, we check to see if you have, in turn, done the same to the literature. Can you discuss critically complex, even abstract, ideas and concepts? Evidence of clarity and independent thought is great to see. Going beyond what the accepted norms are is a clear indicator of your capabilities.
We examine the type and range of sources used in the construction of your essay. The best of essays will demonstrate analysis beyond any core texts to include current, respectable works, and maybe even discuss controversial ones.
All information sources must be cited in your work. This is more than simply showing where you gathered your information from. A well-placed citation gives the reader confidence in what has been claimed by the writer. So, here we look to see how suitable the sources are in supporting your text. In other words, have their contents been properly understood and are they appropriately represented?
Of course, we check to see that sources are accurately referenced in your bibliography .
This is all about how you have packaged your content. You could have the best story to tell but it may be missed if hidden by poor presentation.
We examine the usual mechanisms of English, such as spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence construction. Stylistic factors such as tone, formatting and quality of figures, are also considered. What weâre really looking for, is whether youâre giving your examiner a tiring read or an easy ride. We also check conventions related to reference style, data presentation, quote placements and so on.
One of the most important elements in presentation is consistency. It is essential to maintain high standards throughout and we pay close attention to this detail.
Your tutor or lecturer will grade your work. Few have the liberty of time to feedback, in great detail, on how they arrived at this decision. But our marking process is thorough and detailed. From our notes on your work, we compile a report that explains our thoughts and, importantly, gives guidance on any areas that could be improved.
What did you do well? Weâll tell you. This is more than a simple exercise in making you feel good. Knowing where your strengths lie gives you the opportunity to refocus your energies to areas more in need of attention, and also learn from your successes.
This is where we lay it all out. To improve your work , it is vital to know the parts that need some attention. This applies when editing the current work, but also in deciding which skills to focus on developing as you progress further in your career.
Here, we don't just list of things we had trouble with. As markers, we identify problem areas and make actionable suggestions for how these could be altered to make your essay stronger. This expands on the weaknesses section but is specific and, as mentioned, actionable. We order this by value. Most impactful changes first; least impactful last. This means you can work through the list from top to bottom, and even if you donât manage to make all the changes by hand-in date, youâll be safe in the knowledge that obvious weaknesses have been turned into strengths.
As well as an overall grade, part of our marking process involves assessing different components of the work. Each of the five main areas, mentioned above, are given scores (from 1-5, very poor to excellent), to let you know how you rate.
In addition, we gauge your merits in other areas, such as originality, creativity, readability and independent thought. It is strength in these areas that, generally, separate the good work (B) from the great work (A).
Your overall grade is a guide. We follow similar criteria that academic institutions do, so you can be sure to have a good idea of how you are doing. An excellent essay will demonstrate strong critical and accurate analysis of a wide range of appropriate subject material, clear and substantiated arguments, independent thought, impeccable presentation, organisation and expression. The very best of these will show a level of originality beyond the expected.
Our summary is the take-home message: a little round-up of how your work was viewed by a critical reader.
While thereâs a lot of detail and formality in the work we do to grade your essay, what weâre really trying to give you is some useful advice on how to raise the quality of your work . Ultimately, our marking service is there to help you â no matter your current skill level, subject area or level of study â get closer to achieving the grades you need.
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A well-chosen topic is key. Not only does it hook your audience from the start, but it also ensures they’ll remember what you said long after. With so many possibilities, however, where do you even begin? Picking a speech topic can be difficult, but if you’re looking for informative speech topics , look no further. We’ve compiled a list of informative speech topics spanning a wide range of categories, from technology and social media to psychology and mental health. Each one has been chosen carefully so that your audience will learn loads while staying entertained. Whether you’re passionate about green living or sports, there’s a topic out there that’ll catch your attention and spark conversations.
The main goal of an informative speech is to educate your audience about a specific subject. Accordingly, you want to present the information in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. Depending on your topic and goal, you can choose to speak on objects, processes, events, or concepts. Whatever type of informative speech you choose, just make sure it aligns with your audience’s interests and needs.
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To deliver an effective informative speech, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:
By incorporating these elements into your speech writing process, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative and memorable speech.
Now that you know the basics of informative speeches, it’s time to choose your topic. But with so many options out there, where do you even begin? Don’t stressâwe’ve got some tips to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect informative speech topic.
The first step in choosing a topic is to brainstorm potential ideas. Think about your interests, hobbies, and areas of expertise. What topics do you find fascinating? What do you want to learn more about? Jot down any and all ideas that come to mind, no matter how silly or far-fetched they may seem. After all, you never know what might spark inspiration for a great speech topic.
Once you have a list of potential topics, it’s time to start narrowing them down. Consider factors like the length of your speech, your audience’s interests and background knowledge, and the amount of research required for each topic.
Try to choose a topic that’s specific enough to cover in depth, but not so narrow that you’ll struggle to find enough information. And don’t be afraid to think outside the boxâsometimes the most unique and creative informative speech topics are the most engaging.
Your audience should always be at the forefront of your mind when choosing a speech topic. What do they want to learn about? What will capture their attention and keep them engaged? Consider factors like age, background, and interests when selecting your topic. You want to choose something that will resonate with your audience and leave them feeling informed and inspired.
Once you’ve settled on a topic, it’s time to start researching. Look for credible sources like academic journals, reputable news outlets, and expert interviews to gather information and statistics. As you research, take notes and organize your findings into an outline. This will help you structure your speech and ensure you cover all the key points. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are about your topic, the more confident and engaging you’ll be when delivering your speech. So don’t skimp on the research phase.
Education is a topic that affects us all, making it a great choice for an informative speech. Whether you’re passionate about bilingual education, curious about the pros and cons of online classes, or interested in the importance of physical education, there are plenty of angles to explore.
Some potential education-related informative speech topics include:
No matter which topic you choose, make sure to back up your points with research and statistics. And don’t be afraid to share your own experiences and opinions. After all, an informative speech is a great opportunity to educate and inspire your audience.
When it comes to informative speech topics about psychology and mental health, there’s no shortage of fascinating subjects to explore. From the inner workings of the human mind to the impact of mental well-being on our daily lives, this field offers a wealth of insights and discoveries. For instance, did you know that regular exercise can have a profound effect on our psychological well-being ? Studies have shown that physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, while also boosting self-esteem and cognitive function. If topics like these interest you, then you may consider giving an informative speech on psychology and mental health.
The mind-body connection is another topic that’s ripe for exploration in an informative speech. Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can have a powerful impact on our physical health, and vice versa. For example, chronic stress has been linked to a range of health problems, from heart disease to digestive issues. Meanwhile, embracing activities such as mindfulness or meditating brings with it perks aplenty. Bettering our brains alongside our bodies is only the start.
Of course, no discussion of psychology would be complete without delving into the complexities of human behavior. When you look at the way we build friendships or decide what’s next, thereâs always something new and exciting to talk about. Wondering what to discuss? We’ve got a handful of killer suggestions ready for your upcoming presentation.
Social issues and human rights are another rich source of informative speech topics. Not only are they relevant, but these topics are also great at keeping your audience hooked.
One topic that’s been in the spotlight in recent years is the impact of social media on our lives. While platforms like Facebook and Twitter have undoubtedly brought people together in new ways, they’ve also raised concerns about privacy, addiction, and the spread of misinformation. An informative speech on this topic might explore the pros and cons of social media use, as well as strategies for using these platforms in a healthy and responsible way.
Another pressing social issue is the ongoing fight for human rights around the world. Countries around the world have countless stories of courage and resilience just waiting to be told. So if you’re wondering what to discuss, take a look at these suggestions.
Technology and social media are transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. As a result, these topics offer endless possibilities for informative speeches that educate and inspire.
One recent technological development has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From self-driving cars to personalized medicine, AI is poised to revolutionize nearly every aspect of our lives. If you chose to do an informative speech on AI, you could weigh the good against the badâwhat amazing things AI can do for us and where it might trip us up.
Diving into another area, letâs talk about social media. In addition to the impact of social media on our personal lives, there’s also the question of how these platforms are shaping our political discourse and our society as a whole. Wondering what to discuss? We’ve got a handful of killer suggestions ready for your upcoming presentation.
Environmental issues and sustainability are some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. From climate change to plastic pollution, you’re never out of options for stirring speeches.
Climate change is, of course, a particularly urgent environmental topic. The scientific consensus is clear: By living the way we currently do, we’re pushing our planetâs temperature higher alarmingly quick, putting everything and everyone at risk. An informative speech on this topic might explore the causes and effects of climate change, as well as the steps we can take to mitigate its impact.
Other potential informative speech topics related to the environment and sustainability might include:
No matter which topic you choose, an informative speech on psychology, social issues, technology, or the environment has the power to educate, inspire, and motivate your audience to take action. Dive into topics deeply and share what you find to spark change one reader at a time.
Looking for a speech topic that’s a little out of the ordinary? Something that will really make your audience sit up and take notice? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing a unique or creative topic is a surefire way to make your informative speech memorable. It’s a chance to showcase your personality and interests while still delivering valuable information. In addition, it’s just more fun to research and write about something a little offbeat. Below are a few creative ideas to get you going.
The key is to find a topic that piques your curiosity and hasn’t been done to death. Dig deep into your hobbies, passions, and areas of expertise. Chances are, there’s a fascinating informative speech topic hiding in there somewhere. In fact, some of the best informative speeches are the ones that take a familiar topic and approach it from a completely new angle. For example, instead of giving a generic speech about the importance of recycling, you could focus on the surprising ways recycled materials are used in fashion or art.
The possibilities are endless. With a little creativity and research, you can craft a truly unique informative speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
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You’ve chosen the perfect informative speech topic, done your research, and written a great speech outline . Now comes the hard part: actually delivering the speech in front of an audience. Don’t worry, though, because we have your back.
Giving a great speech is all about preparation and practice. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more confident and engaging you’ll be on stage. Here are a few tips to help you deliver an informative speech that will keep your audience hooked from beginning to end.
The structure of your speech is just as important as the content itself. A well-organized informative speech has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that previews your main points. Use the body of your speech to dive deeper into each point, using examples and stories to illustrate your ideas. Finally, wrap things up with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your key takeaways.
Visual aids like slides, charts, or props can be a great way to enhance your informative speech and make complex topics more accessible. Just be sure to use them sparingly and strategically. Too many visuals can be distracting, so choose ones that really drive home your main points. And always have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties.
At the end of the day, the goal of any informative speech is to educate and engage your audience. To do that, you need to find ways to make your topic relatable and relevant to their lives. Use examples and anecdotes that resonate with their experiences. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures to convey your enthusiasm for the subject. And don’t be afraid to inject a little humor or personality into your delivery.
The old saying “practice makes perfect” definitely applies to public speaking . The more you rehearse your informative speech, the more natural and polished your delivery will become. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself on video, or grab a friend to be your audience. Pay attention to your pacing, clarity, and body language . And don’t forget to time yourself to make sure you’re staying within the allotted time limit.
Remember, delivering a great informative speech is a skill that anyone can learn with a little practice and preparation. So take a deep breath, trust in your abilities, and go out there and crush it.
What are the 5 useful topics of an informative speech.
Consider technology trends, mental health awareness, climate change impacts, historical events analysis, and modern educational methods for engaging speeches.
A good one dives deep into facts and insights without trying to sway opinions. It’s clear, precise, and keeps listeners hooked.
The evolution of artificial intelligence presents a rich ground to explore concepts ranging from ethics to its societal impact.
Pick something you’re passionate about. If it sparks your interest, chances are high it’ll engage your audience too.
To truly master an informative speech, you have to get excited about your chosen subject. Spend ample time researching every nook and cranny then wrap it up by enthralling everyone through compelling narratives peppered with interesting tidbits. Use the informative speech topics we’ve shared with you and you’re all set to create a presentation that not only shares knowledge but also keeps your audience hooked and leaves them thinking.
So, whether you’re a student, professional speaker, or simply looking to enhance your public speaking skills, embrace the power of informative speeches. Choose a topic that ignites your curiosity, and watch as your words inspire and educate others.
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