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Why You're Not In Control of Your Grade: Tips on writing an A paper for any professor

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Did you know that your professor - not your writing style, grammar or prose - can be the largest variable when it comes to the grade you receive on a paper? Despite this truth, a frustratingly prevalent myth about college is that every professor is a bastion of objectivity, reason and fairness. In fact, we've talked to professors who candidly told us that if he did not “like the student or their attitude,” he might grade that student more harshly. This type of candid truth is bad news for Type-A Amy's everywhere. You know who we are referring to, right? Those particular students who are overly anal about every little detail found in every single assignment. These types of students have grown to not only expect a perfect grade for technically perfect writing, but they will also do whatever it takes to get that 100%. Unfortunately for these types of students, a “perfectly written paper” can really only get them so far... if you happen to have a professor who doesn’t care for the said student or topic, not even a paper written about Pro Nuclear proliferation written by Truman himself could persuade a pacifist professor to provide the student with an “A”.

Facing the personal biases, and idiosyncrasies of college professors, teacher assistants  and administrators can be exceedingly frustrating. To put it bluntly: get used to it. It's just as bad - if not worse - within the work force. Thus, if you can learn to play these personal variables to your strengths, you can maneuver yourself toward a  better grade. Depending on your professor, the right topic and tone of your paper can make an enormous difference on the grade you receive. We are not suggesting that you belay your beliefs to appease your professor, but sometimes some finesse around certain subjects will work in your favor.

Writing based on your professors political and social beliefs.

In some instances, it's easy to peg your professors' political beliefs. If scoping out their car bumper fails, then pay attention to the current event issues that are brought up in class. A good professor will be fairly apolitical, but if you keep track of their tone and perspective regarding different issues, you can put together a somewhat clear picture of which way they lean politically. Additionally, if your professor has published any research, has a blog, or sits on any panels, you can begin to grasp the personal ideologies of your professor - no matter how politically neutral he or she may appear in class. Use your Google machine to do some spying.

Apply What You Learned About Your Professor To Your Writing

Keeping in mind the political leanings of your professor, you can manipulate the topic, tone and angle of your writing assignments to  best appease the professor. Keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean always aligning your paper topics with the beliefs of your professor - be sure to stick to what you believe and to never compromise your own opinions of the sake of a grade. Some professors with outspoken beliefs are perfectly fair, if not enthused in reading and grading papers with altering beliefs (provided that your argument is sound). However, there are those who will not look kindly on writings they do no agree with, especially if the tone comes off as condescending, aggressive or sensationalized.   Simply put, figure out the political and social stances of your professor. Judge their attitude; are they zealous, reasonable, or extreme? If they are reasonable, do not worry about opposing their beliefs, but also beware of choosing a topic that it too radical or opinionated. If the professor is extremely outspoken and zealous about their beliefs, you might be best off by playing it safe and writing from an angle that he/she would generally agree with.

A Good, Neutral Topic

A topic for an English or Political Science paper that would serve to play  the middle ground while simultaneously delivering important content would be on the topic of the monetary influence on politics. This is an issue that is pervasive throughout government. Has our government become "by the corporation, for the corporation"?  A research paper discussing the issue of campaign donations, political action committees, lobbyists and the "iron triangle" is always a safe bet. Not only does that paper topic have relevant, ongoing content but it is also an issue that almost everyone agrees with overall. Thus, you are writing a striking and unique, yet agreeable, paper. If you need help with any paper, simply order from us! We believe in providing you with in-depth research, multilevel synthesis of facts and creative approaches toward discussing even the most mundane topics. We offer the best research paper service, and will provide everything you need for a high quality research paper, essay, any other assignment.

If you have conservative professor:  Do not pick an “out there” topic. Stick to meat and potatoes paper topics like gun control, military intervention, global warming, health care reform, immigration etc.

Liberal professors: If you are writing about something political,  be careful not to come across as a warmonger in tone or topic. Pick something that has positive and negatives from both views. Again if they are outspoken in their views, think about at least talking to them about your topic first, and gauge their response.

If you have a young or “by the book” professor: 

Young instructors have a tendency to be tough graders. I would much rather take a class from the head of a department than from the new instructor trying to prove himself. Seasoned professors care more about content rather than having “that there good grammar.” If you suspect your newbie instructor polishes their briefcase, or if they will lock you out for being late and take attendance every class, be wary! You won’t have to be profound, but always ensure that your formatting, bibliographies, referencing spelling and grammar are excellent; these types of professors are always looking for a way to knock off points and poor use of grammar or source citing are sure ways to earn yourself a grade lower than you are capable of!

- Thanks for reading YoungStudentResearch

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