Accounting Coursework: Tips to Broaden your Accounting Skills
April 24th, 2012

accounting-courseworkCourseworks in accounting can seem dense and intimidating, particularly when the accounting courseworks assignments begin piling up over the course of the semester. However, accounting coursework accentuates four core areas of skill: communication skills, reasoning skills, the ability to analyze critically, and the ability to solve problems.
 
Coursework in accounting then becomes the student’s opportunity to focus on these core areas and demonstrate his or her proficiency in each. Students undertaking accounting courseworks may benefit from the following five tips:
 
Keep your writing practical and focus less on the theoretical. Develop your ability to communicate the general principles of accounting in a real world context. Accounting coursework is your opportunity to show your professor that you will contribute something valuable to the profession once you graduate. Make sure that when you write about accounting, your paper remains focused on real world goals such as fraud prevention.
 
Demonstrate your advanced reasoning skills in your accounting coursework. Challenge yourself to write reasoned responses to all of the questions posed in your accounting courseworks. Businesses rely on accountants to apply logic and reason in often highly emotional circumstances, such as facing bankruptcy. Use your courseworks to build that skill now.
 
Show your professor that you can analyze numbers and understand where problems arise. Critical analysis is key in accounting; businesses rely on accountants to let them know when something is not adding up, especially in cases of fraud. Develop that skill now.
 
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How to Start Writing: Guidelines for Dummies to Splendid Success
April 5th, 2012

how-to-start-writingWriting sounds awesome… until you are assigned with another task to write on. So, if you ever wondered how to start paper writing, you’ve come to the right place. In fact, you are in the right place even if you never had this sort of task – you will have it someday. Let’s not waste any time and dive right into the process!

How to Start Writing: Check Fantastic General Tips for Beginners

Here’s a thing for you to remember: your introduction must boom. And here are the tips that will help you write that sort of introduction:

  • Surprise the reader.
  • All right, you’ve already explained in your thesis statement that the idea of animals taking over the Earth is wrong, but it would still be a cool twist to say something like, “By 2050, giraffes will have made a social revolution… but obviously only in a parallel reality.”

  • Mention every single surprising/unusual detail.
  • Do you think that your conclusion about money losing 1/100 of their weight after a year of use is insignificant? Well, it’s time you learn something: there is no insignificant result in any writing. Everything you find out when writing the book, essay, blog, etc. is priceless.

  • Involve the reader.
  • Make your audience your partners before they turninto your opponents! Make strong statements and offer clear ideas that the readers cannot deny or reject.

  • Be a judoka, not a boxer.
  • There are two types of writers: boxers and judokas. Boxer writers pick any words and punch the reader with them right on the head. By contrast, judokas can pin the reader by the shoulders with a single word. Choose to be the second type of writer – it’ll pay off.

  • Savor your writing.
  • Enjoy what you’re writing! Plot every single element ahead, and your writing will soon turn into the obvious product of a sophisticated mastermind.

Now fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a great trip. Learn everything you wanted to know about writing a book, a blog, an essay, etc.

How to Start Writing: Recommendations for Every Sort of Writing.

Remember that, when writing a book, you’ll have to use a different approach from the one you use during essay writing. Check this table to learn more:
 
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Concluding Sentence: Mirror a Topic Sentence, Restate Arguments
April 3rd, 2012

сoncluding-sentenceDo you feel like something is missing from your paragraph? Have you included a concluding sentence into it? If not, make certain to correct this serious mistake. Every paragraph should include a topic sentence, several supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. You might want to look through this quick guide that will help you make your concluding sentences just perfect.

Concluding sentence: functions

A concluding sentence is the final sentence in each paragraph. It should not be confused with a concluding paragraph, which is placed at the end of an essay. A concluding sentence plays a crucial role in every paragraph. Here are its main functions:

  • to “mirror” a topic sentence which opens your paragraph and expresses the main idea you developed in this passage; make your topic sentence and the corresponding concluding sentence similar, but different;
  • to summarize the main arguments of the whole paragraph;
  • to make the transition to the following sentence (unless this paragraph is your concluding paragraph)

Concluding sentence: words to avoid

Here are some words that make poor choices for concluding sentences:

  1. In conclusion;
  2. in summary;
  3. to sum up.

Respect your readers. They understand that you are going to include a concluding sentence at the end of the paragraph. There is no need to say something that is so obvious.

Concluding sentence: words to use

To mirror a topic sentence and summarize the main arguments, you might want to use:
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Dissertation Proposal: Preliminaries Preventing Problems
March 27th, 2012

dissertation-proposalA good dissertation proposal allows you to notice any problems with dissertation ideas at an early stage. Prevention is better than cure. When the committee checks your thesis proposal, it is essentially early diagnostics of potential troubles with your dissertation project. Check this quick guide if you want to make this diagnostics smooth and prevent disasters in thesis writing.

Dissertation proposal: core elements

By contrast to widely spread stereotypes, a dissertation proposal is not a ‘rehearsal’ before the ‘real work’. In fact, your thesis proposal is the first step in your research process and it can become the perfect start to a perfect project. Basically, there are 6 core elements that make good dissertation proposals:

  • A viable research problem and a hypothesis;
  • review of the relevant literature;
  • theoretical framework;
  • methodology;
  • significance of the study (how this research can contribute to existing knowledge);
  • limitations.

Dissertation proposal: main steps

Certainly, you should not expect your dissertation proposals to be written in a one-night study session. Do not be confused by the relatively small size of a thesis proposal. Every sentence in a proposal is preceded by a thorough research and thinking process. Also, do not expect its sections (problem statement, literature review, methodology etc.) to be written one by one. Instead, check these logical steps to guide your research process:

  1. Step 1. Formulate orienting questions. At this stage, you can choose a relatively broad topic and explore a particular study area to make certain that you will be able to find the necessary materials and identify a gap in existing literature.
  2. Step 2. Literature review and revision of orienting questions. Collect and read literature related to your field. Start from classic theories, proceed to areas which are of particular interest to you and find a unique and workable topic. Here are your goals for this section:
    • demonstrate your readers your mastery of the chosen field of knowledge;
    • create links between your narrow topic and broader themes in this field;
    • explain how your topic will contribute to existing knowledge.

    You may want to use the following constructions: X argues that…, researchers who investigated the subject are…, debate centers on the issue of… Note that you should not include in your literature review everything you have read. It is not a review of what you have read, but it is a review of literature closely related to the chosen problem.

  3. Step 3. Formulate a research problem. After reviewing the literature, you will be able to formulate a hypothesis worth testing or a viable research problem. Mind the difference between a research question that is presented in the form of an interrogative sentence ending with a question mark (?) and a hypothesis that is presented in the form of a declarative sentence and assumes that there is a relationship between certain variables. Each of them can be used in a dissertation proposal.
  4. Step 4. Methodology. Make a plan for data collection, analysis and interpretation. Think what methods and instruments can be used.
  5. Step 5. Limitations. Attempt to objectively critique your research plan to find limitations in its design (remember that nothing is perfect and you will surely find weaknesses of your research design if you try to critically evaluate it).

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Dissertation Topics Creation Has Never Been So Easy: Expert Help
March 20th, 2012

dissertation-topicsWell, it seems like you’re facing another hard task. And that hard task is to create one of those topics on dissertation.
 
“What is a dissertation, after all?”
 
A dissertation is the final work required to obtain a higher degree and it consists in designing, planning, carrying out and reporting of an original research project with solid theoretical background.
 
Don’t confuse it with…
 
…A thesis, which is an original research that advances a specific and unique point of view, is based on scholarly resources and solid theoretical background, and required to obtain a higher academic degree.
 
Well, let’s get some ideas for dissertation topics, shall we?

Dissertation Topics Development for IT: Make Great Discoveries!

Did you know that creating dissertation paper topics is fun? You can use all your creativity and even add a tint of humor in your topics for dissertation! Take a glance at the Top 30 Topics for the dissertation of your dreams!
 
Let’s check first some dissertation topics in IT – the hottest ticket in 2012:
 
IT Dissertation Topics

  1. Privacy and Confidentiality in the IT Domain: Their Necessity and Methods to Establish Strict Boundaries;
  2. Freedom and Censorship of Speech in Information Technologies: Adequate Laws Are Required;
  3. Unstable Security in the Information Technologies Field and Means to Fight It;
  4. Current Computer Crimes: An Overview of Occurrences and Efficient Problem Solutions;
  5. 2012 IT Investment Issues: Restricted Funding and Alternative Sources of Financial Support;
  6. 2012 World Congress on IT: Problems to Be Solved and Possible Suggestions;
  7. The Transformation of Higher Education Through Information Technologies: New Horizons, New Issues;
  8. Design and Development of Personal Cloud Devices: Controlling the Weather with the Help of IT;
  9. Clean Energy and Means to Boost Its Use: Current Problems and Possible Solutions;
  10. E-Commerce Development Requires Fair Taxation: Current Suggestions.

Dissertation Topics in Education: Learning Teaching. XXI Century

Google only knows how many students have been browsing for dissertation education topics! Well, your dreams have finally come true – here are the 10 best dissertation topics on education!
 
Dissertation Topics: Education

  1. The Importance of IT in the Education Process;
  2. Means of Increasing Teacher Effectiveness. Overcoming the Obstacles;
  3. “Common Core” Academic Standards Are Not Faultless: Existing Alternatives;
  4. Educational Challenges in Rural and Impoverished Areas: The Community Policy;
  5. The Importance of the Individualized Approach in Modern Education: Issues and Solutions;
  6. The Means to Improve the Use of Data in Education: Suggestions and Current Issues;
  7. Cost- Sharing Formula in Modern Education as an Efficient Way to Solve Financial Problems;
  8. Using Non-Conventional Education Methods in Public Schools: Obstacles and Future Prospects;
  9. Teaching Disabled Students: Key Problems and Modern Solutions. Testing Innovative Methods;
  10. Bullying in School: Variations of School Abuse and Efficient Means to Fight It.

With these topics for dissertation in education, you’ll definitely reach success! However, don’t stop at these suggestions only – apart from education dissertation topics, there are 10 more fantastic research topics for dissertation to go!

Dissertation Topics: Top 10 Most Essential Problems

Do you want something more general? Then check these ideas for research topics:
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Book Report: Give More Facts, but Fewer Opinions, Please!
March 14th, 2012

book-report“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark” is a famous saying of Victor Hugo. You may believe it or not, but instructors who assign you book reports try to light this fire in your mind. Though written reports are only gleams of knowledge you acquire from every book, it is your chance to learn to gain more from your reading and a key to excellent grades and success in life.

Book Report: The First Sparks

A book report consists of objective facts and pieces of information, including:

  • author;
  • date and place of publication;
  • genre;
  • main characters;
  • summary of content;
  • your evaluation.

This factual information gives only the first sparks and represents the least you can do after reading a book. A book report is very similar to a book review. The main difference between a book report and a book review is the amount of personal evaluation. Much more evaluation is needed for a review. In other words, there are similar ingredients, but in different proportions. When writing a report, you should emphasize the account of events and characters. Include the evaluation only in the final passages.
 
The axiom of a good book report is GIVE MORE FACTS, BUT FEWER OPINIONS, PLEASE!

Book Report: While You Read

How to write a book report? Become a thoughtful reader, collect all the necessary information and arrange it logically. That’s it. Not less, not more. Here are some more details for you:

  1. A pen and a notebook are your weapon at this stage. Make notes of the most important parts, but do not go too far with it. Your task is not to copy the book, but to X-ray its skeleton and find the most important information and details meeting your interests.
  2. Choose direct quotes which you find most impressive.
  3. Reread every part you do not understand. Consult dictionaries or encyclopedias to clarify certain concepts, if necessary. It is wise to make notes of new words as well.
  4. Stop reading before you feel exhausted. Enjoy your reading sessions!

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Editorial Topics: Thirty-One Fantastic Ideas for Paper Writing!
March 6th, 2012

editorial-topicEditorial Topics: Thirty-One Tips for Amazingly Creative Writing
 
‘Creating topics for editorial? Sounds lame,’ most students think. ‘But that’s a part of studying, right?’
Wrong!
 
Creating an editorial topic is a lot of fun. Need some proof? Well, just take a look at the ideas below!
 
Editorial Topics: Start Exploring the Possibilities of the Genre
 
In fact, creating editorial topics is really easy – once you see the editorial topic ideas list, you’ll be able to create your own topics in a blink of an eye. Remember:

  1. Introduce a conflict;
  2. Be innovative;
  3. Offer your own solutions.

 
Here go the some true winners among editorial topic ideas!
 
Editorial Topics: Fighting Controversy, Intrigues and Challenges
 
A part of being a writer of editorials is creating articles on controversial topics. Let’s see what ideas will be the most successful:

  1. Abortion. Common Sense Against Social Morals;
  2. Gambling. Don’t Sell Your Life for a Deck of Cards;
  3. Children Adoption… for Same-Sex Couples;
  4. Clones, GMOs… How Far Will Genetic Engineering Go?
  5. When Poverty Rates Hit the Ceiling: Something Has to Be Done.

 
Choose a topical social issue – and you can be sure you’re halfway through!
 
Editorial Topics: Persuasive Writing. Convince the Audience!
 
Alternatively, you can take a relatively old idea for discussion and make it significant. Turn your paper persuasive – pick some persuasive topics to write on!

  1. On Violence in Mass Media: Children See It!
  2. Alcoholic Drinks Commercials: on TV Hypocrisy;
  3. The Abuse of Sexual Imagery in Mass Media;
  4. Children and Animals in Advertising: Consumerist Cuties.

 
Although some of the issues above are not quite popular,, they can still seem attractive when served hot – that is, in a witty and intriguing manner.
 
Editorial Topics: Something Children Will Explore with Delight.
 
Kids can also deal with difficult social issues – in fact, sometimes they do it even better than adults. So here are editorial topics for kids:

  1. Is Watching TV Good or Bad?
  2. Parents Divorced: the Way I See It;
  3. What I Think about Terrorism;
  4. Don’t Mock Obese People – Help Them;
  5. Can a Boy Make Friends with a Girl?

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Case Study: Discover a Proven Formula of Stunning Research
February 28th, 2012

case-studyThere is nothing easier than finding definitions of a case study on the Internet. However, there is nothing harder than using them in practice. Let’s stop wasting time and look through this easy-to-use guide for action with its clear and concise definition and a winning outline.
 
Case studies: powerful method
 
What is a case study? A case study is an in-depth analysis of one complex unit (a person, a company, an event etc.). This method of seeing it can be really powerful. The case study format enables you to understand problems in all their complexity.
 
View the chosen subject in a broad context and analyze numerous aspects to understand the main influential forces affecting it. The first step to do this is to collect data paying attention to the most significant factors leading to interesting and unusual conclusions. Do not waste your time and energy on insignificant details which have no impact upon your subject.
 
Case study: types
 
Exploratory and explanatory are the two main types of case studies. Exploratory case studies collect and organize data to create a complete picture. By contrast, explanatory case studies establish cause-and-effect relations between different units of information. For example, you may collect all types of statistical, financial and organizational data about Yahoo for an exploratory case study of this company. However, for an explanatory study you will need in addition to analyze this data extensively to define the main reasons of the company’s success.
 
Case study: methods
 
While the type of a case study refers to the kind of goal it sets to achieve, the method of a case study refers to how it collects the data it uses. There are two main case study methods: prospective (observing the subject within a set period of time) and retrospective (using historical data)
 
Case study: easy steps
 
A good strategy to write an excellent case study is by taking the following easy steps:

  1. formulate the main problem you are going to investigate;
  2. choose the best suitable type of case study (exploratory or explanatory);
  3. choose the most appropriate method (prospective or retrospective);
  4. make a plan for your case study;
  5. collect evidence (gather archive records and/or statistic data, conduct interviews);
  6. organize and analyze findings to solve your research problem;
  7. develop conclusions and analyze implications of your findings.

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Evaluation Essay Topics: 30 Most Inspiring Ideas for You
February 21st, 2012

evaluation-essay-topicIf you look for fresh ideas for your evaluative essays, you must be tired of ordinary movie and book reviews. Why to limit evaluation paper topics to only a few classic novels and movies? Indeed, academic essay writing can and should be exciting. In this list you will find 30 most inspiring ideas for your evaluation essay topic.
 
Evaluation essay topics: mass media

  1. Evaluate a special report on the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
  2. Evaluate one of the popular talk shows (The Oprah Winfrey Show, for example).
  3. Evaluate a season of a casting show (American Idol, America’s Got Talent, America’s Next Top Model etc.)
  4. Evaluate a real life show (Cops, Big Bother etc.).
  5. Evaluate a TV or newspaper report on national scandals (phone-hacking scandal, for example).
  6. Evaluate a weather forecast program.
  7. Evaluate a TV commercial advertisement.

Evaluation essay topics: music

  1. Evaluate the video clip of your favorite song.
  2. Review one of the most popular songs of the previous year, no matter if you like it or not. Try to be as objective as possible.
  3. Evaluate the role of the music by Tchaikovsky in the movie Black Swan.
  4. Evaluate a piece of classical music (Beethoven, Mozart, your variant).
  5. Evaluate a concert of Michael Jackson.
  6. Evaluate a music video clip of Lady Gaga, Madonna, Cher or any other pop diva.
  7. Evaluate the music your parents like most of all.
  8. Try to recollect the music you liked when at high school and evaluate it.

Evaluation essay topics: art
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GED Essay Topics and Prompts: What You Should Be Ready For
February 14th, 2012

GED-essay-topicsIf you want to have a better idea about a GED essay, you should take a look at the topics that you may need to discuss. For a GED essay, you will not have to do in-depth research or cite any sources.
 
Yet, you’ll have to express your views on a certain question and explain why you think so. Here is the list of possible GED essay questions:
 
GED Essay Topics: Learn More about Yourself
 
It is quite possible that you will have to respond to a personal question about your lifestyle, artistic taste, or world view. Here are some examples of such questions:
 

  1. What kinds of music do you like and why?
  2. What is your idea of a perfect day?
  3. Can you imagine yourself without television and Internet?
  4. What qualities must a good parent have?
  5. Is there anything about yourself that you want to change?
  6. How should a real leader treat other people? What are the traits of such a person?
  7. If you had a chance to meet a famous person, who would you like to meet?
  8. What kind of activities do you enjoy most and why?
  9. What kind of place would you like to go to and why?
  10. Would you volunteer to become a space tourist?
  11. Suppose that you have won a lottery and you don’t have to work ever again, what would you like to do?

Any of the above questions can be used as a GED essay topic, and you should be ready to respond to such prompts.
 
GED Essay Topics: Your Views on Society and Media
 
When you write a GEG essay, you may have to discuss a certain social problem, mass media, technologies and so forth. These questions are not particularly difficult, but they require critical thinking and analysis. You may take a look at these examples of possible GED essay topics:
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