Term paper: Do´s and don´t´s
Space is critical. 20 pages is exclusive of appendices and references, so try to condense information in tables, figures etc. and include in the appendices (so that they don´t count in your 20 pages). Don´t waste space by including maps etc. in the text.
Don´t exceed 20 pages – if you do, it will not be graded; it is not a question of characters – 20 pages is 20 pages (not 38, as in one case)
It is not a good signal if you only can manage 10 pages.
Don´t waste space between questions, use type 12, normal spacing. Use end notes or footnotes to conserve on space
Don´t use up space in re-formulating the case in a prologue – I can remember what I wrote.
Only include “need to know” – you do not have time for “nice to know” background information
Don´t worry about making links from one group member´s answers to another (but you can within your own personal questions) – otherwise, treat each answer as a separate answer (as grades are individual)
Language: It is not an English literature course – but naturally, your ability to formulate yourself nicely helps. Try to use the words, concepts used on the course – remember to have read the supplementary articles (especially those pertaining to your questions)
You can integrate information from any source/course etc. Remember to ground your answers in a theory.
Work as a team in the first day, trying to map out your ideas and structure to answering each question; briefly mention your structure to any one question (in a sentence or so)
Clearly establish the rules of cooperation – please don´t tell me if it doesn´t work (people don´t meet on time, etc.) – I´m not a marriage counsellor. Try to adhere to the space you have for each question (3.33 pages) – otherwise it creates huge intra-group conflicts
Please don´t change groups during the exam – if the person left has to write on