Quick Links
McGill.CA / McGill Library / Help / Writing resources / Five steps to a better paper

Knowing what you need

knowing what you need

  • Read the assignment carefully. Note the key words and concepts. You might try checking alternatives for them. Pay special attention to the verbs which will indicate your approach, e.g. analyze, summarize etc.
    Define
    Outline the meaning of the subject; sometimes there is more than one explanation
    Compare and contrast
    Show how aspects are similar and how they are different
    Apply
    Use the idea or theory in a specific situation. Show how it works or how it doesn’t work.
    Summarize
    List the main ideas
    Illustrate
    Describe the subject giving examples and linking them back to the subject
    Assess
    Measure the effects (e.g. impact, validity) of the topic against other things
    Evaluate
    Give your opinion on the topic, backing the opinion with strong reasoning
    Support
    Give evidence for your opinion on the topic
    Analyze
    Find out how something functions, what impact it has, what it means, how the parts relate to the whole
    Synthesize
    Connect two or more things together that haven’t yet been connected. Strong reasoning must guide your decision and needs to be supported with evidence.
  • Take note of the type of assignment required. Look closely at any points or suggestions added. They may provide clues as to the best approach.
    Literature Review
    when a collection of texts on a topic is reviewed. Your opinion is not always necessary. Check with your professor.
    Compare and contrast
    when you are asked to explore the similarities and the differences. Often it is better to avoid the “x and y are alike in many ways but also different in many ways” approach. Try to generate an opinion.
    Research Paper
    This genre has primary as well as secondary data included, so it is not just a summary but requires investigation and evaluation of sources. Its goal is to incorporate what others have said, into a unique view of the topic.  There are two kinds of research paper: argumentative (where the writer sets out to persuade the reader); and analytical (where the writer sets out a question to explore).
    Scientific Report
    this mirrors the scientific method, with an introduction, methods and materials, results and discussion.
    Annotated Bibliography
    this is when your bibliography includes not just citation details but also descriptions and summaries of each of the sources.
  • Check the length required, the deadline and any other guidelines. Use our Assignment Calculator to work out your time line.
  • Make a list of questions as you read the assignment. Ask for clarification if necessary.
  • Brainstorm and generate ideas on your topic. Produce as many as possible. It is not necessary to look for an answer, as there may not be a definitive one but you will need to form a direction. Here are some ways to generate ideas:
  • Free write – Write down all your ideas without attention to punctuation or logical flow. Look for recurring points or strong themes – this may indicate the direction to take. Take note of areas where you need to learn more.
  • Free think - Type words and phrases in no particular order or location. Include any which might be marginally related. Re-group them on-screen so that similar points are together and groupings begin to have a logical flow. Reflect. Add more words and phrases.
  • Classify - Break the topic up into headings and main ideas using lists and bullet points. Headings will help focus the content into paragraphs and help lead to conclusions.
  • Analyze - Examine the topic from all angles: describe it (any components, distinguishing features or issues); analyze it (its history, its development over time, influences upon it); and look at its impact (related issues, stakeholders, its significance to other areas).
  • Think of alternative terms for your concepts and ideas. For example, if you are researching work in computer programming, you might type:

    Employment or jobs or career and
    Information technology or computers or computerized information and
    Software or programs or programming

  • Look for surprising similarities or contrasts between facts. Be creative.
  • Does your working opinion address the assignment question? Make sure that you are on topic.
Classified as
Updated on Fri, 2012-01-13 13:09
Feedback?
If you have any comments about the Library or suggestions of how we could do things better, please let us know.
top of page