Research First: The Key to a Strong Essay
As a lawyer, I’ve learned that the foundation to a compelling argument is thorough research. Through understanding all elements of the topic that you’re writing about, you can craft strong arguments and give valuable insight to the reader. Thus, a well-researched and structured essay will help you get that university interview!
Here are three top tips to elevate your research skills:
1. Frame the Question
First, define the scope of the issue or topic that you will write about. A vague question (ie is climate change bad?) wastes time, a focused one (How does x policy reduce carbon emissions in urban areas?) guides your research. Suggested steps:
Write down your core question in 1–2 sentences.
Identify key terms to search (e.g., “renewable energy incentives,” “urban carbon footprint”).
Stay flexible—your question may evolve as you do more research.
2. Use reputable sources
The key to good research is the quality of the sources. You need to cite reliable resources to gain credibility. For example, consider:
Academic databases (Google Scholar, JSTOR, journals);
Government/NGO reports (CDC, World Bank, UN);
Expert interviews or podcasts (look for primary sources).
Avoid sources that have no author or date, or being over-reliant on secondary sources (eg a blog summarizing a study instead of the actual study itself). A top tip is to cross-check facts, or consider various views of professionals in the field to come up with your own theory.
3. Refine your question then draft
Legal arguments often shift as new evidence emerges. Your essay should too. How to adapt:
Review your notes to see what patterns emerge. Did you find unexpected data?
Adjust your essay title to fit the strongest evidence that supports your arguments.
Start drafting once your research answers your refined question and you have a clear structure.
A pro tip is to first list out your key findings then structure paragraphs around them. Great university essays, much like legal briefs, demand preparation, thorough research and a clear question to direct you. It is a constant cycle of question, investigate, refine, repeat. The best essays don’t just inform, they probe, persuade and provide your viewpoint on the subject. This will help you stand out as an applicant in university applications.
Good luck drafting! If you need guidance on writing a university essay, please get in contact with us.
调研先行:打造出色论文的关键
作为一名律师,我深知构建有说服力论点的基础在于全面深入的调研。只有透彻理解写作主题的每个要素,才能构建强有力的论证,为读者提供有价值的见解。因此,一篇经过充分调研、结构严谨的论文,将助你赢得大学面试的机会!
以下是提升调研能力的三大要诀:
1. 明确研究问题
首先,界定你要探讨的问题范围。模糊的问题(如"气候变化有害吗?")只会浪费时间,而精准的问题(如"X政策如何降低城市碳排放?")才能有效引导调研方向。
具体步骤:
用1-2句话写下核心问题
确定关键词进行检索(如"可再生能源激励政策"、"城市碳足迹")
保持灵活,随着调研深入问题可能需要调整
2. 善用权威信源
优质调研的关键在于信息来源的质量。引用可靠资料才能建立可信度。
推荐信源:
学术数据库(Google Scholar、JSTOR、专业期刊)
政府/国际组织报告(疾控中心、世界银行、联合国)
专家访谈或播客(优先选择一手资料)
需警惕:
无作者或日期的来源
过度依赖二手资料(如博客文章而非原始研究报告)
专业建议:交叉验证事实,综合领域内不同专家的观点,形成自己的见解。
3. 完善问题后再动笔
如同法律论证会因新证据而调整,你的论文也应保持这种灵活性。
具体方法:
检视笔记,发现数据规律和意外发现
根据最有力的证据调整论文标题
待研究能回答完善后的问题,且结构清晰时再开始写作
专业技巧:先列出关键发现,再围绕其构建段落。优秀的大学论文就像法律诉状,需要充分准备、深入调研和明确的问题导向。这是一个不断循环的过程:提出问题→调研→完善→重复。最出色的论文不仅传递信息,更能深入剖析、说服读者并展现你的独到见解,助你在众多申请者中脱颖而出。
祝写作顺利!如需大学论文指导,欢迎随时联系我们。