STUDY TIPS - HOW YOU CAN BECOME AN ACE RESEARCHER

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1. LISTEN - make sure you've understood what your teacher is asking you to do. Sounds obvious but if you aren't sure what's required your chances of doing the right thing are pretty low. If you don't understand what the teacher asked for then ask them to explain.
2. WHAT - think carefully about what the question is asking. Break the question down into smaller chunks if necessary.
3. DECIDE - what resources you will need to complete this work? Gather the information before you begin and expand on this as you go along.
4. THINK - How reliable is the information you are using? Who is it written by? Are they unbiased experts or just promoting their own point of view? Generally websites that are trying to sell you something are less useful for accurate information. Also check the dates of information sources - is it up to date?
5. CHECK - Always read through any information carefully and consider which bits might be useful. Don't simply copy it out. Think about what you want to say and choose your own words.
6. HOW? - Think about the best way to present the information. Think about the subject the work is for. Choose pictures, graphs and charts carefully and only use them if they really add to the content. Double check your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.
   

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TRY OUR ONLINE REFERENCE LIBRARY:
Essex Libraries members can use a whole load of information books free online.
You just need the number from your library ticket to use these services from your own computer.
See the full range available, or try these ones that we think will be particularly useful for homework:

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OTHER WAYS WE CAN HELP...
If you would rather use the phone to ask your question then try our Answers Direct service - open seven days a week on 0845 603 7628. Go to the web page and you can also search through some common queries we've already dealt with or ask a question via e.mail.

Or if you're stuck and it's the middle of the night we're part of Enquire - an international consortium of libraries offering a 24/7 service.

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You can also pop in to your local library to get the information you need - we've got 73 of them across Essex and we'll be pleased to see you. And when the homework is taken care of why not borrow a book or two to relax with?

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