Writing an Effective Academic Essay: A Comprehensive Guide – Research

Conducting Research

Extensive research is a crucial component of writing an academic essay. While some essays may rely solely on your existing knowledge, most university-level essays require thorough research and evidence-based arguments. When conducting your research, it is essential to consult reputable and authoritative sources.Although the internet is a valuable resource, please exercise caution when using it for academic research. Websites like Wikipedia are generally unacceptable as references due to their lack of academic rigour. Instead, prioritise peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and academic video content. These sources undergo rigorous scrutiny and provide reliable information. However, this doesn’t mean you should disregard online resources altogether. Online encyclopedias like Wikipedia can be a useful starting point to orient yourself and identify key names and ideas in your field.

Reading and Analyzing Research

The sheer volume of reading material can be overwhelming, especially when faced with tight deadlines. It is essential to approach your reading list strategically and efficiently. Rather than attempting to read everything in its entirety, adopt a selective approach:

Overview Texts: Read the whole entry, noting recurring names and ideas.

Journal Articles: Read the abstract to assess relevance, then focus on the conclusion and key sections.

Books: Review the table of contents, read the first page of relevant chapters, and skim through for key points.

By adopting this selective approach, you can gather a wealth of reference material efficiently. Remember to keep a record of the abstracts, key points, and full references as you go along. This will ensure a seamless referencing process later on.