Too little information produces waffle, while indiscriminate collection produces a list of facts without an argument. A typical marking scheme may offer two or three analysis marks for every mark attached to evidence. A 3,000-word essay dominated by 2,500 words of new information therefore leaves too little room to earn the analysis marks. Writers need to budget space for interpretation and critical thinking as well as research findings.
Chapter · 8:42-10:38
Balance research evidence with analysis
The marking example explains why both under-research and fact-heavy writing fail when the assignment rewards analysis more heavily than evidence alone.