High marks are just a game—here is how to learn the rules.

[PeterG]

Saw this on a UniUK sub and it changed my perspective .
Stop thinking of essays as "writing." Think of them as "evidence gathering."

• Rule 1: Never state a fact without a citation. If you say "the sky is blue," find the paper that measured the wavelength.
• Rule 2: Be a flat earther. Ask "where's the evidence?" for every claim the author makes.
• Rule 3: Be a toddler. Ask "but why?" to every methodology.
• Rule 4: Google Scholar the sentence you want to write.
  If your essay has 10 sources, it's a C. If it has 30 sources, it's an A. Obviously quality > quantity, but in practice? Quantity signals research depth.

 

[Luchia]

I can confirm that quantity WITH relevance is what gets A's. We can tell when students just throw in citations to hit a number. But when each source actually supports a point? Chef's kiss.

The Google Scholar trick is elite. I'd add: look at who cited the papers you're using. That shows you the conversation moving forward. Also check the references of good papers to find more sources.

Rule 2 (flat earther) is going on my wall. Perfect for lit reviews especially.