How to Read a Novel Like a Lit Major

If you've ever analysed a novel in school, you probably know that reading a novel for analysis is different from reading a novel for pleasure. Especially as a literature student, you quickly have to get used to the fact that reading a novel isn't the same as reading a novel well. The latter requires much …

Reading Skills: How to Read Efficiently

Regardless of whether you're studying literature or law, university study involves a lot of reading. Especially as a new student, the amount of reading you're required to do can be quite daunting. Because you simply don’t have the time to re-read every text 10 times, one of the first things you need to learn is …

Study Tips: How to Study Effectively

Being a student requires a lot of self-responsibility. Unlike in school, there isn't a teacher who tells you exactly what to do. In university, you’re simply expected to prepare assigned readings, write essays, prepare presentations and study for the next exam. No one’s going to remind you of your next submission date—you need to learn …

Features of Academic Writing

There are a lot of aspects you have to consider when writing in an academic setting. Unlike writing a blog post, academic writing has some distinctive features you should be aware of. Most importantly, it has to be formal, precise, explicit and hedged. But what does each of these terms mean? Let's look at them …

Tips for Writing the Perfect Bachelor’s Dissertation

All seminars and lectures have been attended, all exams done and all term papers written. After three years of studying, there is only one thing that needs to be done: the dissertation (or as it's also called: the bachelor's thesis). As I know only too well how difficult it can be to write a dissertation, …

The Funnel Introduction

A good essay introduction serves three purposes: it grabs the readers' attention, introduces the topic and states the thesis statement (i.e. the writer's stance on the topic). At best, the writer is clear and engaging, making the readers want to read on. At worst, he or she bores or confuses them to the point that …