One of the most challenging tasks for students of any discipline is to write a term paper or other important form of paper when it is assigned with a seemingly far off due date. Some may think this an odd statement, but the truth is that there are many people who do their best work when they know they have a deadline to beat and are under the gun to get it done.
One reason why this ease with deadlines and difficulty with long term projects might be is because a paper or term paper that is due in a relatively short amount of time gives the student a structure to work from by which they can organize their efforts and produce a quality paper. While on the other hand, when people in general and students in specific are given tasks that they can postpone they will tend to do so for various reasons, some of which reasons are very legitimate and can be seen as properly prioritizing time.
As I mentioned above, many of the mistakes in a research paper have nothing to do with the citations in the bibliography however, there are a few things you want to be aware of. First, an annotated bibliography does not count as a works cited page or a bibliography for your actual research paper. They are a completely separate work. Every research paper requires a works cited page regardless of whether or not you are also doing an annotated bibliography.
Finally, whether you're using a laptop or pen and paper, you want to make sure that you are keeping your notes well organized. Keep all of your files stored digitally by class and make sure each entry is dated to make finding the information easier. If you hand write your notes, have a binder for each class and again, store your notes in order by date.
Outlining itself is another way for a student to help themselves to stay on task with their term papers throughout the semester. After the general organization of the paper is complete, a student can focus on the specific outline for the paper.
Now we come to the hardest part, what to write down and how. This is where personal preference and learning style really come in to play. Do some research and play around with various methods for documenting your notes. There are quite a few including mind mapping, charting, the Cornell method, and creating a rough outline. It is important for you to find one that works for you.
Regardless of your note taking style here are some things you want to make sure you don't miss. Obviously if your instructor says, 'this will be on the test,' write it down. If the professor repeats himself and more importantly if he slows his repetition down so that it can be taken word for word, you want to capture that information. On the flip side, if he speaks faster, louder, or with added emphasis, pay attention. When they write on the board or use a power point, snag that too, and if possible, get a copy of the power point. And lastly, take note of any material where a relationship between ideas is expressed by using words like 'however,' 'most importantly,' or 'first, second, third.'
As you work to learn these rules and others, you will find yourself able to implement them without thinking about it rather than having to pour over some handbook to make sure you are following the rules. Persistence pays off and the professors at your college in National City will be pleased with your progress.
One reason why this ease with deadlines and difficulty with long term projects might be is because a paper or term paper that is due in a relatively short amount of time gives the student a structure to work from by which they can organize their efforts and produce a quality paper. While on the other hand, when people in general and students in specific are given tasks that they can postpone they will tend to do so for various reasons, some of which reasons are very legitimate and can be seen as properly prioritizing time.
As I mentioned above, many of the mistakes in a research paper have nothing to do with the citations in the bibliography however, there are a few things you want to be aware of. First, an annotated bibliography does not count as a works cited page or a bibliography for your actual research paper. They are a completely separate work. Every research paper requires a works cited page regardless of whether or not you are also doing an annotated bibliography.
Finally, whether you're using a laptop or pen and paper, you want to make sure that you are keeping your notes well organized. Keep all of your files stored digitally by class and make sure each entry is dated to make finding the information easier. If you hand write your notes, have a binder for each class and again, store your notes in order by date.
Outlining itself is another way for a student to help themselves to stay on task with their term papers throughout the semester. After the general organization of the paper is complete, a student can focus on the specific outline for the paper.
Now we come to the hardest part, what to write down and how. This is where personal preference and learning style really come in to play. Do some research and play around with various methods for documenting your notes. There are quite a few including mind mapping, charting, the Cornell method, and creating a rough outline. It is important for you to find one that works for you.
Regardless of your note taking style here are some things you want to make sure you don't miss. Obviously if your instructor says, 'this will be on the test,' write it down. If the professor repeats himself and more importantly if he slows his repetition down so that it can be taken word for word, you want to capture that information. On the flip side, if he speaks faster, louder, or with added emphasis, pay attention. When they write on the board or use a power point, snag that too, and if possible, get a copy of the power point. And lastly, take note of any material where a relationship between ideas is expressed by using words like 'however,' 'most importantly,' or 'first, second, third.'
As you work to learn these rules and others, you will find yourself able to implement them without thinking about it rather than having to pour over some handbook to make sure you are following the rules. Persistence pays off and the professors at your college in National City will be pleased with your progress.
About the Author:
California College San Diego (CCSD)has trained graduates for rewarding careers in high demand jobs since 1978 in San Diego County, California. We understand the importance of giving our graduates real-world knowledge and skills, and how that relates to their professional success.
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