Now, that I'm in my sixth semester of studying political science and media science, I feel like I've got a pretty good grasp on how to write a paper. Actually, I'm working on three different ones right now! (Which explains my motivation to write this instead of said papers....) So, let's see - how do I go about this?
Tip No. 1: Finding a topic.
Usually I would say to sit in the library and the cafeteria and just TALK to people about what you might want to write about. Well, since it's not as simple right now, here's how I've been fighting this struggle:
- Look to the news for current topics and developments which might be connected to what you want to write about. The great thing about this is, that current news are always connected to past stories, so there's one place to start your research!
- Or: See what other people have written in your field and then either let yourself become inspired or even better - notice what people HAVEN'T written about! There's a gap for you to fill and maybe even find something new.
Tip No. 2: Getting started.
Personally, this is the hardest step for me. I sit in front of my laptop for hours on end, trying to get over myself and start research. But there are some ways to get around this.
- Find some video essay or some other current media. If you're an auditory learner, great! Here you've got the first piece of information to make research easier for you. Not an auditory learner, but rather like writing? Make notes! And boom, there's your first part of a mindmap for you. Take what other people have already found out and then build on it. Fact checking also is a type of research.
Tip No. 3: Getting it done.
So you've got your research and everything else you need right in front of you. Where to go from here?
- Colorcoding your notes might make it easier to see to which part of your paper or to which argument they belong. Once you've got a grasp of your structure, all there is left to do is writing it down.
- Now I know that is easier said than done, so here is how I overcome my (chronic) lack of motivation: Set the mood right. On tumblr we all romanticize studying and sitting inmidst of books, piles of paper and some cups. So carry this over to your real life. Whether you're writing the paper at your desk, in the library or even in your bed, there is always something aesthetic and pleasing to find about it.
