In some papers, you present the results of your own empirical research, while in others you may, for example, develop a concept for a social institution. Your task is always to develop a comprehensible argumentation. More information on the different types of scientific papers can be found in this article: The different types of scientific papers.

In addition to these general features, there are further evaluation criteria for scientific papers, which the supervising lecturers set depending on the nature of your work. So, first ask the lecturers supervising your term paper or final thesis about specific requirements. The OWL can clarify formal aspects, but it does not replace a conversation with your lecturers.

Be proactive and prepare for the meeting! First, read the seminar plan, as it often describes the expectations for the term paper. Some lecturers have also created their own guides, e.g. for supervising the bachelor’s thesis. You should read these guides before a meeting. See also the article: Preparing for the first meeting with your lecturers.

What you should clarify with your supervising lecturer

• Topic and research question of the paper
• Individual or group work
• Form of marking individual contributions (for group work)
• Suitable (research) methodological approach
• Timeline and submission date
• Type and extent of supervision, if applicable support from tutors
• Formal requirements, e.g. word or page count, formatting
• Form of submission, e.g. printed version, Moodle, by email, file format
• The most important evaluation criteria
• The use of gender-neutral language

Lecturers usually use an evaluation grid to assess your scientific paper. We have been provided with the following two examples – depending on the type, purpose, and method of the paper, the evaluation criteria for your work may differ from these examples. Discuss the expectations for your specific paper with your supervising lecturers.

Evaluation grid example 1

We thank Wolfgang Wahl for this example of evaluation criteria for a term paper in module 1.1.

Evaluation grid example 2

Exclusion criteria for a positive assessment:

Structure and organization of the work:

Contents:

Literature base and evaluation:

Language:

Further criteria:

(++ = very good | + = good | 0 = satisfactory | – = sufficient | –– = insufficient)

We thank Susanne Heidenreich for this example of the evaluation criteria for a bachelor’s thesis.

Frequently asked questions

Der Beitrag Writing a Good Paper in Social Science erschien zuerst auf Online Writing Lab.

To ensure unbiased evaluation, your supervisor will usually not read the entire text in advance. For this reason, examiners often choose not to hold final coordination meetings in the last three to four weeks before submission. Instead, you may be allowed to submit a sample for early review.

When revising your text, seek support from both subject experts and people outside your field. Fellow students, lecturers, or colleagues in companies can check for technical accuracy, logical consistency, and clarity of argument, while those outside your field can focus on readability and formal issues.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which suggestions for improvement you want to accept.

Give your feedback providers clear instructions about what they should focus on when reviewing your text. Clarify in advance when they have time and how much time they’ll need for the review. You should also ask in which format they prefer to receive your work – printed or digital.

Giving text feedback

1. Create a supportive environment: Feedback works best face-to-face in a relaxed and confidential setting. If there’s already a trusting relationship, written feedback can also work well.
2. Ask about feedback needs: It’s easier to give feedback when you know exactly what the person wants. Ask about the context – what is the text trying to achieve? What stage is the writer at?
3. Start with something positive: It’s always nicer to hear something positive first. Every text has something that can be praised – content, spelling and punctuation, clarity, the research question, or the structure. Ending on a positive note is also helpful.
4. Be specific: Feedback should refer to specific passages in the text.
5. Offer alternative perspectives: Evaluate specific sections from your point of view. Clearly identify strengths and weaknesses.
6. Use I-messages: Feedback is easier to accept when phrased in the first person, e.g., “I didn’t understand this part…”

Receiving text feedback

1. Share your feedback expectations: It’s easier for someone to give helpful feedback when they know what you’re looking for. Also outline the context – what is the goal of the text? What phase are you in?
2. Be open but critical: Accept feedback as one perspective on your work. Be open, listen, and ask questions – but also question whether the criticism is fair. You don’t have to accept everything – you’re the writer, and you decide what to take on board.
3. Ask follow-up questions: Take advantage of the fact that someone has read your text. Ask whatever you want to know – e.g., “What do you think of the title?”
4. Don’t justify – but engage in discussion: Explaining orally what you meant to say is already part of revising. Talking is a precursor to writing – so use the opportunity to discuss your content and writing goals.

Who can give me text feedback?

• Writing tutors: Mainly for cross-disciplinary, sample-based feedback. Possible focus areas: Is the line of argument clear? Is the wording understandable?
• Fellow students, lecturers, company colleagues: Mainly for subject-related content feedback, for instance: Is the research question appropriate? Have I cited the key literature?
• Friends and family: Mainly for language feedback. Maybe someone has a good grasp of spelling and punctuation?

Feedback checklist

• Why do I need feedback? Define focus areas: content, language, formatting, etc.
• When do I need feedback? Regularly, at key points, only at the beginning or end of the writing project – and by when?
• Whom should I ask for feedback? Feel free to ask different people for different tasks.
• When will I incorporate the feedback? Schedule writing time accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

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