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:
 

Similarities:

1. start with an attention-getter;
2. involve the reader in the dialogue;
3. offer an unusual point of view on the problem;
4. address a specific issue/problem and create an intrigue;
5. make the audience feel comfortable and relaxed when reading your creation;
6. Explain the importance of the problem;
7. Offer an unusual approach to solving the problem.

While writing, use your imagination – it takes only a little bit of imagination to create a masterpiece!
Now that you know how to start writing blog entries, letters and other things, let’s see some professional tips.

How to Start Writing: Remember Important Elements of the Process

Well, you’ve seen a perfect writing a book how-to table; now, to understand how to write a book, a letter, a blog or an essay, pass this simple test. Each “Yes” scores you a point!

• Have you had good rest before getting down to writing?
• Have you browsed through some good classics of the genre?
• Are you choosing your words wisely?
• Are you ready to be original and inventive?
• Have you picked a certain style to follow?
• Are you having fun with your writing process?

If you’ve scored 6 points, congratulations! You’re fully equipped for creating a fantastic piece of writing.
If you’ve got less than 6, go over the question or questions where you answered “no” and change your strategy on how to write a letter, a book, etc.

How to Start Writing: Fascinating Examples of Effective Writing

The time has come to see the way all these tips work in real life. Watch the experts at work!

Now you know how to be a writer, and you can create the most unbelievable papers. Just start writing them, and you’ll see how exciting it is!

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:

• synonyms for the words used in the topic sentence;
• therefore;
• thus;
• resulting.

To make the transition to the following paragraph, you might want to use:

• a word that will be introduced in the topic sentence of the following paragraph;
• the following;
• another, other.

Concluding sentence: examples

You might want to see good concluding sentence examples to enhance your understanding of what has already been said. Here is a good example:
 
Correct: Most business leaders have to face a common challenge, namely to correctly handle the people aspect of a change. The 327 project leaders participating in a study stated that if they had a chance to complete their projects differently, they would pay more attention to employee issues. Surprisingly, they did not emphasize technology or design issues. Therefore, the people aspect is critical to change management projects, because it can endanger the success of whole projects.
 
So, this was actually all you needed to know to write strong closing sentences and concluding each of your paragraphs effectively. With a concluding sentence written according to this guide, your paragraphs will be complete and just perfect.

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).

Dissertation proposal: sample outline

After taking the five steps discussed above, you will have enough information for your dissertation proposal. Check this sample dissertation proposal outline to organize your materials:

1. Introduction (prepare your readers for the problem you are going to discuss).
2. Problem statement (in the form of a viable research question or a hypothesis).
3. Purpose (complete the sentence: “The purpose of this study is…”).
4. Theoretical framework (what theories inspired you).
5. Literature review.
6. Methodology.
7. Significance of the study (how your research will contribute to the field).
8. Limitations.
9. Reference list.
10. Appendices (tables, graphs, pictures, and lists of interview questions, if any).
11. A timetable for completing particular sections of your project (goals + preliminary deadlines + dates by which the task is completed).

You are welcome to use this guide for action when writing a dissertation proposal. Consider these tips as preliminary steps to have your proposals for dissertations accepted by the committee from the first attempt and catch any problems with your dissertation early.

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

11. The Importance of IT in the Education Process;
12. Means of Increasing Teacher Effectiveness. Overcoming the Obstacles;
13. “Common Core” Academic Standards Are Not Faultless: Existing Alternatives;
14. Educational Challenges in Rural and Impoverished Areas: The Community Policy;
15. The Importance of the Individualized Approach in Modern Education: Issues and Solutions;
16. The Means to Improve the Use of Data in Education: Suggestions and Current Issues;
17. Cost- Sharing Formula in Modern Education as an Efficient Way to Solve Financial Problems;
18. Using Non-Conventional Education Methods in Public Schools: Obstacles and Future Prospects;
19. Teaching Disabled Students: Key Problems and Modern Solutions. Testing Innovative Methods;
20. 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:

21. Means to Increase Public Environmental Awareness: Fighting Current Problems Together;
22. Alternative Energy Sources and Their Impact on the Environmental Problem and Its Solution;
23. The Impact of Mass Media on Modern Culture and People’s Preferences: Shaping Ideas at a Subconscious Level;
24. Eco-tourism Will Save the Environment from Pollution: Efficient Way of Saving the Wildlife and Endangered Species;
25. Photography as a Form of Art: Origins, Development and Further Prospects;
26. The Epoch of Post-postmodernism, Its Features and Further Evolution: What Lurks Around the Corner;
27. Globalization Benefits vs. Culture Fusion: Is Cooperation Worth Losing Identity?
28. Social Networking Ousts Live Communication: Pros and Cons of Socializing Online;
29. Gender Issues in Education: Current Conflicts, Existing Issues and Means to Control the Situation;
30. Hate Crimes Today: Victims, Offenders, Criminals’ Motivation and Means to Resolve the Problem.

Have you chosen your topic? Then read some awesome pieces of advice!

Dissertation Topics: Five Pieces of Advice. Crucial Information!

There are only 5 – just five! – tips to remember. Check this:

• Pick a specific field for your dissertation
  (e.g., innovations in higher education);
• Brainstorm the issue and find current problems
  (e.g., education, higher education, USA, current issue, recurrent problems, immigrants, Latin Americans, African Americans, etc.);
• Choose an issue for your research
  (e.g., skilled immigrants in the USA higher education);
• Introduce the subject of the research
  (e.g., skilled immigrants and American students in the USA higher education);
• Introduce the conflict of the research
  (e.g., skilled immigrants leave American students way behind in higher education);
• Add specific details and change the word order to make the topic unique
  (e.g., USA Higher Education: Skilled Immigrants Leave American Students Way Behind. Reasons, Results, Solutions).

Voilà! That’s all it takes to create a perfect dissertation topic. And now, try it yourself!

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!

Book Report: After You Read

After you read the last page of your book, close your eyes and think what you have read over. Then open your eyes and look at the notes you have made. The main issues you should cover in your book report are

• factual information on the author, title, genre and publication (never forget to introduce your book to the audience, it is not only a formality);
• main characters, plot lines, themes and motifs (principles and theories if you write reports on nonfiction books);
• book summary ( include a detailed but cohesive summary so that your instructor can tell that you have definitely read and understood the book);
• your personal evaluation of the book and advice for others to read or not to read it.

You are welcome to use this simple plan. Coupled with your efforts, it will make your reports on books just perfect and your reading comprehension much better. If to learn to read means to light a fire, then to write good book reports means to gather wood and to strike a match.

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:

4. Abortion. Common Sense Against Social Morals;
5. Gambling. Don’t Sell Your Life for a Deck of Cards;
6. Children Adoption… for Same-Sex Couples;
7. Clones, GMOs… How Far Will Genetic Engineering Go?
8. 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!

9. On Violence in Mass Media: Children See It!
10. Alcoholic Drinks Commercials: on TV Hypocrisy;
11. The Abuse of Sexual Imagery in Mass Media;
12. 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:

13. Is Watching TV Good or Bad?
14. Parents Divorced: the Way I See It;
15. What I Think about Terrorism;
16. Don’t Mock Obese People – Help Them;
17. Can a Boy Make Friends with a Girl?

Go-go, kids – you know these things better than adults!
 
Editorial Topics: See Some Middle School Prize-Winning Concepts.
 
Time to offer some help for middle school students! Try to incorporate your opinion and the authoritative ideas on the following issues:

18. The Negative Effect of Internet Slang on Everyday Language;
19. Generation Gap and the Means to Cross It;
20. Being Overweight: Grind and Bear It… or Get up and Fight It;
21. Books Lose to Internet: Reading. More than Getting Information;
22. My Vision of a Teacher: a Teacher Through the Eyes of a Student.

 
Use some of these editorial topics for middle school – and you’ll see that some issues never age. Perhaps, you are the one to find the solution for them – who knows?
 
Editorial Topics: Enticing College Students with Peculiar Ideas.
 
Well, it’s high time you’ve had your say on the way the society works, don’t you think? And the best way to do that is to pick one of the editorial topics for college below and to write on it. Need expert help? Here are some clues. The hot tickets for this year are…
 

23. Barack Obama’s Policy Should Be Changed;
24. Gay Marriage as Another Acknowledgement of People’s Rights;
25. World Economics of the XXI Century. Another Crisis Ahead;
26. Gender Discrimination in the Workplace Must Be Stopped;
27. To Merge or not to Merge: Culture Fusion Is Inevitable.

 
Editorial Topics 2011: Forecasting 2012 Discussion Issues
 
There are topics that you just cannot get rid of. They maintain their appeal from one year to another and always stay topical. Here they are:

28. Meddling God’s Domain: Cloning. Medical and Ethical Perspectives;
29. Genetic Engineering: Potential Danger or Best Solution?
30. Computer Engineering Will Change the World;
31. Environmental Disasters Can Be Prevented: Ideas and Their Implementation;
32. Medicine: the “Walking Wound” and the “Crisis Care” Conflict.

 
With these editorial topic examples, your perfect mark is just around the corner.
 
Editorials Topics: Last but not Least, Final Recommendation
 
So, with these tips… Hold it, where are you running? You still have something important to learn!

• Use some witty catchphrases and idioms to keep the reader’s attention;
• Avoid clichés and cloned or repetitive constructions;
• Make the reader see the problem from a new angle.

 
Well, you don’t have to cry, “I need topics for essay!” anymore – now you are ready to create one of the most successful editorials ever. Good luck!

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.

The above strategy has repeatedly proven to be effective.
 
Case study: effective outline
 
The presentation of your findings is the key to your academic success. This sample outline can help you to study certain cases effectively and successfully present your findings to your tutors:

• Abstract (write 100 or more words summarizing your main findings). Paradoxically, this part is placed at the very beginning, but should be written only after the rest of the paper is written.
• Statement of the problem. Keep it focused and do not stray into problems you are not going to solve.
• Thesis statement. In one clear sentence define your research objective seeking a solution to the main problem stated earlier.
• Literature review. Discuss relevant theories and findings of other researchers.
• Method of research. Discuss why you have chosen to do a case study and what sources of information you are going to use.
• Implications.
• Conclusion.

Using this proven formula, you will definitely write a winning paper and receive an excellent grade for it.

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

8. Evaluate the video clip of your favorite song.
9. 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.
10. Evaluate the role of the music by Tchaikovsky in the movie Black Swan.
11. Evaluate a piece of classical music (Beethoven, Mozart, your variant).
12. Evaluate a concert of Michael Jackson.
13. Evaluate a music video clip of Lady Gaga, Madonna, Cher or any other pop diva.
14. Evaluate the music your parents like most of all.
15. Try to recollect the music you liked when at high school and evaluate it.

Evaluation essay topics: art

16. Write a review of your favorite book. If you cannot choose one, consider evaluating The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger or Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
17. Evaluate the movie you would recommend to your fellow students.
18. Evaluate the worst movie you have ever watched. Make sure to provide arguments when criticizing it.
19. Visit a local museum and evaluate the exhibition (or find an online exhibition on the Internet).
20. Visit an exhibition of a modern artist and evaluate one picture or the exhibition as a whole (or find an exhibition on the Internet).
21. Visit an exhibition of a modern photographer (or find it on the Internet).
22. Evaluate the design of the hall or building of your college.

Evaluation essay topics: sports and entertainment

23. Evaluate any sports event you liked or disliked (football or boxing match, Olympic Games etc.).
24. Visit a café or club in your neighborhood and evaluate it (probably, it is the best way to combine work and pleasure).
25. Go to a swimming pool or a gym and write a review.
26. Evaluate your favorite video game.
27. Evaluate the design of a web site that you use.
28. Evaluate the nearest supermarket.
29. If you happen to see a street performance, evaluate it.
30. Evaluate your college cafeteria, its menu and quality of services.

Now you see how diverse topics for evaluation essay can be. Choose an evaluation essay paper topic meeting your interests and enjoy the writing process.

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:

1. Is voting important and why?
2. Would you like to live in a city or in the country? Justify your answer.
3. How do mass media affect your life? Is this influence always beneficial?
4. Is it necessary to give children access to the Internet? Explain your argument.
5. Can censorship be justified in any way?
6. Are there any circumstances that can justify a criminal act?
7. In your opinion, what is the most important invention of the twentieth century? How did it change our life?
8. What things would you like to change in modern mass media?

GED Essay Topics: Facing Very Unusual Situations
 
In some cases, examiners can ask students to describe their actions in various hypothetical situations. Again, in this case, you will have to demonstrate the originality of your thinking.
 

• If you had a chance to interview the president of the country, what kind of questions would you ask and why?
• Suppose that you become a mayor of your native city, what kind of changes would you like to make?
• If you became the principal of your school, what kind of improvements would you make, if any?
• If you were a legislator, what kind of laws would you introduce?
• Suppose that you could choose any profession you like: which one would you choose and why?
• If you could invest 10 percent of the country’s GDP, how would you spend this money?

As you can see, these questions are not particularly difficult but they require originality of thinking. Any of them can become a topic for GED essay. Hopefully, you won’t have any problems with this paper.