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I am doing my EPQ on the origin of birds and it is entitled 'Did Birds evolve from Dinosaurs?' I am having trouble with structuring the essay as I am not sure whether to structure it as one section explaining one theory and the next explaining the other, or in a chronological order of when the ideas were developed and discoveries were made. Any ideas?
Original post by shaminn
Arghhh! I'm having to restructure my entire EPQ. Major overhaul in process! I started without splitting the question into sections of debate and now my argument isn't as in depth as it should have been. Saying that, I got half way and realised that, so at least it's not too bad...

For anyone who is starting out, make sure you structure it well first time round, and don't do what I have just done.

Onwards and upwards, 4,000 words to go!

Good luck to everyone who is writing one at present.


How do you suggest that one should structure theres ?
Original post by attenboroughfan
Does anyone know how much the examiner reads extra documents that you produce? For example I have created a research log where I assess the usefulness and relevance of a source to my project and evaluate its credibility. Do you think that the examiner would read every entry (considering there will be way over 20)?
Thanks :smile:


What exam board are you on out of curiosity?
Reply 3203
Yeh is there a structure guideline?


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App
Original post by HarryMWilliams
What exam board are you on out of curiosity?


AQA
Original post by attenboroughfan
AQA


That answers my next question. Thanks. :smile:
Original post by Roshniroxy
How do you suggest that one should structure theres ?


There really is no set structure. I think the best, and most universal thing to do is start with an introduction which simplifies any key terms and defines them, along with a little intro as to what you are trying to achieve from the research (e.g. the answer to a question etc.)

When you do this bit, it kind of builds the foundation to how your EPQ will continue and finish. After that I think it's up to you. Me personally, I'm changing my approach so that I have section where I answer a smaller question which will contribute to a bigger one. E.g Is specialisation more important than having a broader skill set in law? (Something on those lines...)

But ultimately, it really is up to you how you choose to do it, ask your supervisor if needs be?
Original post by shaminn
There really is no set structure. I think the best, and most universal thing to do is start with an introduction which simplifies any key terms and defines them, along with a little intro as to what you are trying to achieve from the research (e.g. the answer to a question etc.)

When you do this bit, it kind of builds the foundation to how your EPQ will continue and finish. After that I think it's up to you. Me personally, I'm changing my approach so that I have section where I answer a smaller question which will contribute to a bigger one. E.g Is specialisation more important than having a broader skill set in law? (Something on those lines...)

But ultimately, it really is up to you how you choose to do it, ask your supervisor if needs be?


Thank you !
Anyone know what a fair maximum length is? Need a target for the editing process. :redface:
Reply 3209
Does anyone know whether on UCAS you need to enter the AQA Bacc and EPQ as separate qualifications or can you just enter the AQA Bacc? Thank you :smile:
Reply 3210
Hi guys,
Can anyone tell me whether taking EPQ at A2 amongst 3 other A2's is worth it?! Or shall i just take 3 and focus on them?
(btw i dropped an AS at end of year 12)

Thankss
Reply 3211
Original post by _Saaaam_
Hi guys,
Can anyone tell me whether taking EPQ at A2 amongst 3 other A2's is worth it?! Or shall i just take 3 and focus on them?
(btw i dropped an AS at end of year 12)

Thankss


I would say only do it in a subject relevant to your uni course. Since most candidates are doing 3 A-levels, the EPQ shows you are committed to the subject. Also make sure you're willing to put in the effort - most of the people who did it at my college were like "I would do the research in my free time anyway so why not get a qualification from it."

Personally I would say if you had the opportunity to take up a relevant AS 2nd year that would be the better option, assuming you did well in it. The EPQ however is all about the skills you pick up rather than the grade you get in the end.
Reply 3212
Original post by alwaysk
I would say only do it in a subject relevant to your uni course. Since most candidates are doing 3 A-levels, the EPQ shows you are committed to the subject. Also make sure you're willing to put in the effort - most of the people who did it at my college were like "I would do the research in my free time anyway so why not get a qualification from it."

Personally I would say if you had the opportunity to take up a relevant AS 2nd year that would be the better option, assuming you did well in it. The EPQ however is all about the skills you pick up rather than the grade you get in the end.


Yeah i agree with that! Hopefully going to study business management, quite good seeing as business itself is such a vast field!!

Oh really, well i'm already taking business and economics anyway and dropping psychology so those two will help a large amount by the time i get to uni..
OKay, thank you for your help!! :smile:
This is going to sound very pessimistic I think, but how long does it take to do the EPQ? Baring in mind that I know my question, it's been verified by my teachers as having potential. While I've done no work, I know what subheadings I should use, but have done no research yet...

I ask this because I decided not to do it over the summer, not realising that my college teachers are setting the deadline for October 10th (so they can mark them all- lots of people at my college are doing it).

4 weeks - is that enough time? How many hours per week would need to be dedicated to it? I only want advice as I know I've left it last, but I've just got a new job and started college too, and not sure if I'll be able to balance the time with such short notice... Any help appreciated :colondollar:
Reply 3214
Quick question to all EPQers, how much time are you expected to spend on the EPQ over the summer holidays researching and assimilating your EPQ? Is it seriously near the 120 hour mark that I've heard being thrown around?

Just asking because 3/4 hours of work per day in my summer holidays hardly sounds appealing :P

Cheers.
Reply 3215
Original post by Giant
Quick question to all EPQers, how much time are you expected to spend on the EPQ over the summer holidays researching and assimilating your EPQ? Is it seriously near the 120 hour mark that I've heard being thrown around?

Just asking because 3/4 hours of work per day in my summer holidays hardly sounds appealing :P

Cheers.


If you finish it it less time, then don't bother wasting time on it? I thought that was just an example
Original post by imaginarysally
Anyone know what a fair maximum length is? Need a target for the editing process. :redface:


About 6,000 words I'd say.
I really need some help! Our EPQ is compulsory; we haven't been taught anything though. Could you please answer a few questions for me?
1. Is the EPQ supposed to be a question and then you answer it using your opinion?
2. I am going to comment on the effectiveness of prison sentences; what resources should I look at and how should I structure it, i.e. what mains things should I include

I've tried to start but it isn't even going to be over 1000 words :L I really don't understand it.
Original post by Helloworld_95
About 6,000 words I'd say.


OK perfect! :smile: Thanks!

Original post by Alevelstudent1908
I really need some help! Our EPQ is compulsory; we haven't been taught anything though. Could you please answer a few questions for me?
1. Is the EPQ supposed to be a question and then you answer it using your opinion?
2. I am going to comment on the effectiveness of prison sentences; what resources should I look at and how should I structure it, i.e. what mains things should I include

I've tried to start but it isn't even going to be over 1000 words :L I really don't understand it.


1. Yes, supplemented with academic texts, research journals, online resources etc. :smile:

2. You would probably want to narrow down your focus to one prison system e.g. maybe the British one? From there, there has been a lot of research into prison and the effect of institutionalisation. You might want to specify your question down to, for example, the effect of custodial prison sentences on re-offending. You could also look at it from an economic cost, evaluating the cost of custodial prison sentences. Once you narrow your focus, you'll find it's a lot easier to find resources. :smile:
Reply 3219
I'm doing the EPQ with Edexcel. I think that it would be appropriate to put references in my introduction, but the introductions in all of the exemplars I have seen are reference-free. Can I still put references in there though? Thank you! :smile:

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