Writing homework: Writing needs to be learned

If you start your studies, there are many new things for you: the students, the campus - and the writing of chores. "Actually, all first-year students should be given an introduction on how to write a scientific paper," says Jacqueline Dagdagan from the writing workshop of the University of Mainz. But often the tutorials are very short, or the university completely abandons it. As a result, undergraduates struggle with the first housework. But if you pay attention to a few tips, you will be ready to write quickly.
How to set the topic for the housework?
"To narrow down a topic so that it can be dealt with on 10 to 15 pages: That's where many freshmen fail," explains Dagdagan. If they have attended a seminar on the modern history of North Africa, this should be too extensive as a housework topic. Better choose a more compact subtopic, for example, Egypt's role in World War II. "In addition, you need a clear thesis in the housework as a common thread," says David Kreitz, writing coach at the University of Hannover. The thesis should contain three points: What is my topic, what question occupies me, what is my guess?
How can the caregiver help with housework?
"If you do not ask, it often lacks formalities such as length, line spacing or the citation form," says Ulrike Pospiech. She is the director of the writing workshop of the University of Duisburg-Essen. In addition, freshers should talk with the supervisor early on the proposed topic. If he considers this unsuitable, he can propose alternatives in good time.
How to plan the literature search?
"First-semester googles often at the last minute," Pospiech observed. Instead, she recommends the "snowball system" she read at https://australianwritings.com.au/assignment-help/: get one or two basic books on the topic. There students can look up the bibliography which books fit the topic.
How do you read academic texts?
"Academic texts are not novels, but quarries for knowledge," explains Kreitz. "I have to dig out of the texts what I need." That means: do not read books from the front to the back! But on the table of contents, introduction and conclusion quickly find out where the relevant information for the question.
How do you work with academic texts?
"You always have to write notes when reading: Where can I use this quote, what do I associate with this passage?" Dagdagan emphasizes. It would be good, for example, to write these on self-adhesive notes and stick them in the appropriate places in the book.
How to fight the fear of the empty sheet?
"When I stare apathetically at the white screen in front of the PC, I should first resort to pen and paper," advises Dagdagan. Important: If you start writing with the introduction, you have to check at the end, if the text promises later, what was announced there.
What to do when the work is done?
"Many students do not edit their lyrics or too slippery," says Pospiech. "But I have to check the text on several levels, preferably printed on paper," adds Kreitz. Then mistakes are easier to see.