Read this article to find out what to do done before you start writing a coursework on any subject. Consider the tips carefully and make your life easier.
Contents
Before You Start a Coursework
A coursework is the kind of writing that highlights a student’s academic knowledge and talents. It takes away some of the pressure of the exam, being more equitable towards students who are not very stress-durable and who risk failing during an oral or written test session due to it.
Even though coursework has been removed and replaced with “Controlled Assessment” in the UK, most of which must be completed under exam conditions without teacher assistance, coursework is still popular in many parts of the world — and it can be just as challenging as exams are. Actually, completing a coursework involves much more preparation and work than a typical exam.
The amount of time allotted for coursework completion is the reason why students are expected to meet high standards during the challenge and show professionalism while doing it.
You need to research the topic, gather data, and demonstrate writing skills to successfully complete the job. Here is a short preparation guide which can help you get things done much easier, faster, and better. Read it and plan your work accordingly. Keep in mind that if you don’t have enough time or energy to finish a coursework by yourself, there are online resources where you can ask professionals to help you.
Coursework Structure
Certain coursework can be completed as an extended essay or project. The goal of this kind of paper differs from subject to subject, though usually the emphasis is placed on conducting independent research on the topic. In this case, the work tends to become more of an investigation. You put on a detective hat, and then explore, analyze, and explain the topic.
Let’s take a few examples.
English
English coursework usually takes the form of an extended written essay on a topic of your choosing. Professors will usually give you a certain amount of topics to consider and help you choose a suitable format — like comparative or analytical writing.
You’re usually given a choice of themes and/or texts to explore, and even though creativity is typically appreciated, the key is still a thorough and analytical understanding of the theme. Comparisons between different texts or authors are quite common in English coursework.
Geography
Coursework in Geography is focused on data gathering, analysis, and reporting with the goal of finding answers for some specific phenomena in the field of geography. For instance, you can be asked to observe soil erosion processes on a specific beach, or the development patterns of urban centers compared to rural ones.
In some cases, it can also involve a bit of field work, though it’s usually not mandatory.
Sciences
In science subjects, coursework is kind of a scientific project or experiment conducted and reported on by a student. Even if it’s a practical project, it still involves quite a bit of theoretical research, and you will have to explain not only how, but also why it works the way it does.
If it’s a theoretical project, then you will need to demonstrate an excellent understanding of the described topics. Many students are lulled by a sense of false security while writing a coursework, and this can be especially tricky when working in sciences.
Coursework Writing Rules
It is important for you to know about the rules of coursework thoroughly earlier on. If you do not follow these requirements, you run the risk of your coursework being disqualified. These rules include:
- No Plagiarism
Plagiarism is especially dangerous because of the mass of readily available, relevant information on the web. You need to make sure everything included in your coursework is described using your own words. In most cases, they expect you to sign some kind of declaration to confirm that your work is 100% original. To put it simply, don’t copy stuff from the internet.
- Teachers Can Help
A teacher can help you pass through whatever you might need to include into your paper. They can show you exactly what the examiners expect you to show them as a final result. It’s best to ask your teacher any questions you may have in regards to your coursework. He or she will be able to look through your very first drafts and provide recommendations and tips about additions or improvements for your writing.
- Word Count Check
Courseworks come with a minimum required number of words, and your professors hope you actually stick to that number. Check it all twice to make sure whether footnotes, appendices, and bibliographies are included in the overall word count or not. Also, don’t use empty words just to rise up the word count — make your words count.
- Topic Check
Check what topics are allowed for your coursework. If any other of your exams overlap with the topics provided, you will be expected to pick from the other topic for your paper.
Selecting the coursework topic
The best approach is to focus on a topic that’s relevant to your personal interests. That will help you maintain the enthusiasm you need to complete your coursework and will make the whole process more enjoyable for you.
In subjects connected to the sciences, they often expect you to choose something that can be changed, measured, or controlled. These topics need to be validated through experiment — you actually need to dive into a scientific practice to have a good science coursework completed.