Concept paper explained! Get a good grade by knowing how to write a good concept paper.

What Is a concept paper?

Just like a research proposal, a concept paper is  document that summarizes a project matters i.e. the interests, understandings or proficiency of an individual author or organization. In essence, it summarizes a research project. It is a brief document whose length depends on program in question. In sum, a concept paper demonstrates the purpose of  a research project.

How to write a concept paper.

Before articulating the steps to writing a concept paper, there is need to highlight the purpose of a concept paper. This is to persuade donors, colleagues, superiors in your area of assignment the relevance of your project. Hence, always ‘speak in their language.’ It means ensuring your capture your readers attention through prose, writing style and professional terms relevant to the project and area of study.

For instance, you can use an intriguing statistic in your introductory sentence that is both in line with what you are proposing as well as factual

You can also develop a title that captures the reader’s attention and draws their desire to read further on

Therefrom, follow the following steps;

                                             i.            Establish your resolve to write

Write about your project goals and express the interlinkage between your goals and the sponsor’s or donor’s line of work.

                                           ii.            Describe the problem

Outline the problem, how you came to know if its existence and how you intend to solve it.

                                         iii.            Outline why the problem is of concern

This is putting your project in its context. Include statistics and current issues to support the importance of your project. Depending on the nature of your project, personal stories are also included. They are all intended to prove the extremity and extent of the problem thus the need for your solution

                                         iv.            Explain your concept and its workings

This is the implementation plan or formula of your solution. How will your solution be introduced to the intended market. For instance awareness raising and capacity building. If your solution involves the invention of a device, then a prototype is needed. If your project involves a further investigation of the problem, then express your investigation plan.

                                           v.            Express the unique nature of your concept

Your project needs to be set apart from existing projects. It should offer better solutions and include better plans if not completely innovative and creative ones.

                                         vi.            Include output measures you will use to assess the success of your project

A project success needs to be measured. Monitoring and evaluation procedures you intend to use to measure the progress of project as well as outcome need to be included.

                                        vii.            Include a timeline and detailed budget

A project has phases. Provide a timeline for each phase as well as detailed preliminary budget.

                                      viii.            Project summary

This is a conclusion to all the information you have detailed in the concept paper in summary form.

Other factors to consider include;

·         Your concept paper should be precise and concise. It should be brief as well as detailed.

·         Use the necessary vocabulary in the right context

·         Use action-oriented language by proving your actions are doable and showcasing confidence

·         Include your contact information

How to skillfully write an appealing book review; tips that will get you acing it!

A book review is an extensive valuation of a book. 

It involves a synopsis of a book’s themes, purpose, content and authority. A review contains the following;

• A description of what the book is about

• Your opinion on the book; what you liked or disliked about it

• Summarize your thoughts, suggest the kind of audience that should read the book

• Sometimes a rating is necessary e.g. a 5 out of 10

To broadly and succinctly cover all the above, you will need to ask yourself a number of questions to guide you in writing a review. These questions are as follows;

a) What is the title of the book? Does the title agree with the content of the book?

b) What category of literature does the book claim to be? Has the book embraced the genre as it should?

c) What is the author’s point of view? Do you agree with them or not?

d) What is the author’s general theme? Are you able to follow this theme?

e) Is the author’s language and style formal or informal? Is it appropriate for the target audience or not?

f) Is the author’s language convincing? Have they spoken with clarity?

g) Do you think the author provides accurate information? Have they left out any particular area uncovered?

h) What do you think of the conclusion? Has the author met the expectations and satisfied the audience?

i) Has the book generally accomplished anything? Is there a need for further work on the topic covered?

j) Take note of the sources the author used. What else has the book included? E.g. maps what is the book’s layout?

k) In comparison to books by different authors on the said topic, what’s your opinion?

It is important to note the books publications and also the author's background, reputation and qualifications. Lastly, it is important to take notes of the main points you gather and intend to use in your review. A good review must contain passages or quotes from the book itself.

To write an august review, consider the following; 

1. Know the limits of what to talk about

A review should not give away the ending, that is left for the reader to discover on their own. This is necessitated if the book is a fiction or a novel. Additionally, a good review should not give away the major twists and surprises in the book. They are used in order to ascertain the reader’s constant interest in the book. When you relay information that you shouldn’t, you might encourage the reader to give up on reading the book. This is because the book no longer has anything interesting to offer. However, when the book is a non-fiction, the facts are already known. In this case, the point is to avoid giving away major arguments or developments of the book.

2. Research the writer and the genre of the book.

As earlier mentioned, you need to provide the reader with background information on the author. To do this, you need to conduct extensive research on both the book and its author. It makes it possible to relay reliable information on the genre, the books in competition with the one you currently review, and the qualifications of the author.

3. Be more optimistic and constructive

Even when the work is poorly done, do not focus on saying what the author did not do. Suggest better approaches the author should have used instead. Avoid criticism and focus on reviewing. Please note that you are reviewing the book and therefore should not comment on the author’s personality or life.

4. Write to the audience

The review is for the audience, not the publishers. State facts; do not use words that give the impression that you are advertising the book. The point is to give them a reason to care about the book. It is also to convince them why to read the said book and not another that’s in the market

5. Seek help when you need it

A book review is not easy to write. It is therefore understandable and relatable if you would seek the help of a professional or choose to study further on writing book reviews.

what to expect in college...

College Life Will be Better...

To a majority of the people, high school was not a walk in the park. Therefore, we end up looking forward to college. We convince ourselves that it is a new beginning, a fresh start at making things different. Those who were popular in high school and the silent ones including those considered weird hope to blend in. Proves how alike we all are. In some cases, you find those that want to leave a mark; whether in a sorority or a campaign, we all hope for change and improvement.

Peer Pressure

It really should be peer support but in this social media era, there is a need to know how good your life is from pictures you post in your accounts. You don't want to appear dull and boring. You will easily do drugs, miss classes and spend a lot of time in school than usual amassing your student loans. This is not because you want to, but that you have to.

Sadly, you are under the constant pressure to behave a certain way and it can easily lead to distress and mental unwellness. when you are constantly finding ways to hide, you easily forget who you are and end up connecting with people you have nothing in common.

We become part of a chain of alcoholics or addicts and flourish by constantly putting each other down. it is impossible for one to genuinely support you in your goals and endeavours

So how do you break this chain?

nobody wants to hear this, but there is a greater reward in being yourself. that way, it might take longer but you will end up in a circle you belong, one that you might end up friends for eternity