how to get an A* in epq! 🌿 (epq tips)

Summary

This video provides 11 practical tips for excelling in the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). The speaker, who achieved 47 out of 50, shares insights on choosing a research topic, utilizing reliable resources, referencing as you go, and setting self-imposed deadlines. Advice is also given on writing the main body of the essay first, structuring the project with a question or hypothesis, and engaging with your tutor throughout the process. The presentation, while brief, focuses on reflecting on your research journey, the challenges faced, and skills developed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choose a topic you are passionate about and can research extensively over months. It should have plenty of available resources for you to use.
• 😀 Use reliable academic resources like Google Scholar and JSTOR. Avoid unreliable sources like tabloids (e.g., The Sun, Daily Mail).
• 😀 Start writing the main body of your EPQ first, rather than the introduction or conclusion, to avoid feeling overwhelmed at the beginning.
• 😀 Reference as you go along to save time later. Use tools like 'Cite This For Me' to make referencing easier.
• 😀 Decide whether to frame your EPQ title as a question or a hypothesis. This will influence how you structure your essay and research.
• 😀 When choosing your topic, ensure it has enough available information. Do some preliminary research to check the availability of resources.
• 😀 Set personal deadlines earlier than your tutor's deadlines to stay on top of your work and prevent falling behind.
• 😀 Dedicate regular study time to your EPQ, even during free periods or breaks, to stay consistent with your progress.
• 😀 Maintain regular communication with your tutor. Ask for feedback on your logbook, references, and overall progress.
• 😀 The presentation for your EPQ is usually brief and informal. It’s an opportunity to share what you learned, the challenges faced, and the skills developed during your research.
• 😀 Don't overthink the presentation. Keep it short, with key points and visuals to help guide your discussion. Use cue cards if necessary.

Q & A

What is the first tip for doing well in the EPQ?

The first tip is to choose a topic that you enjoy and can talk about for a long time. It's important to pick something you're passionate about, as this will keep you motivated throughout the research process.

Why is it important to pick a topic with plenty of information available?

It is crucial to select a topic with lots of resources, articles, and studies available, as this will make it easier to write your EPQ and find relevant references. Without enough information, you might struggle to meet the required word count.

What are some useful tools for researching topics?

Google Scholar and JSTOR are excellent resources for finding academic articles and journals to support your research. These tools provide reliable, scholarly sources to help with your EPQ.

How should you handle referencing in your EPQ?

It's recommended to reference as you go along rather than waiting until the end. Using a tool like 'Cite This For Me' can help automate the process, saving you time when compiling references later.

What should you consider when deciding whether to frame your EPQ as a question or a hypothesis?

If you choose a question, you need to explore both sides of the argument. With a hypothesis, you focus on exploring various perspectives around a central claim. Both formats are valid, but they affect how you structure your essay.

How can you start writing your EPQ without feeling overwhelmed?

Start by writing the main body of your EPQ first, instead of worrying about the introduction or conclusion. Once the main sections are drafted, you can return to those parts when you feel ready.

What kinds of resources should you avoid using in your EPQ?

Avoid unreliable sources like tabloid websites (e.g., The Sun or Daily Mail). Instead, focus on using academic journals, reputable websites, and scholarly articles that provide credible information.

Why is setting personal deadlines important in the EPQ process?

Setting personal deadlines helps keep you on track and ensures you're making consistent progress. Even if your official deadlines are far off, personal deadlines help you stay ahead and avoid last-minute stress.

How should you manage your time and workload for the EPQ?

Allocate specific time slots for your EPQ during your week, such as dedicating free periods to the project. This helps ensure you stay focused and can manage your time effectively without neglecting other subjects.

How can you maintain a good relationship with your tutor during the EPQ?

Stay in regular contact with your tutor, sharing your progress and asking for feedback. This will help you stay on track, ensure you're heading in the right direction, and allow you to make improvements based on their guidance.