Why College Papers Are Tougher Than Debates

This year, the first paper at many colleges comes just at the time of the presidential and vice presidential debates. So, as we were grading the stack of papers (all the while, glancing at the 32-inch TV), we couldn't help noticing that what scores points in debates wouldn't cut it in a college paper. In fact, some of the debate tactics most praised by pundits would be seriously dissed by professors. Wanna know why electoral success ≠ grade success? Read on:

Political debate: Style is as important as—if not more important than— substance. If you sweat, have a five o'clock shadow, or roll your eyes and sigh when your opponent says something stupid, you're in major trouble. If you look presidential or young, wink from time to time, or directly face the camera, you'll do just great.

College paper: Substance always trumps style. Darned right, profs will not be swayed by papers dolled up in fancy folders with color illustrations and elegant fonts. Nor will high-flown prose and fancy words make a particularly positive impression. 

Political debate: Not answering the question the moderator asked is just fine and is a good tactic if you don't like or understand the question.

College paper: No wiggle room here (at least if you want an A). You have to answer exactly the question asked—not just something you know about that is sort of related to what the professor is asking. In college, evading the question is the Achilles' heel of many a student's paper. 

Political debate: Keeping your answers short is best. Get too long-winded and you'll dig yourself into a hole or get cut off by the irritated moderator.

College paper: Professors expect well-developed papers. That means your paper needs to be longer and to probe more deeply than would ever be tolerated in a debate. A typical two-minute debate answer would be about one typewritten page and might offer up only some code words that gesture at an answer. You should be so lucky as to get a one-page paper assignment or a prof who'd give an A for a paper that just skimmed the surface.   

Political debate: Repeating your campaign slogans and talking points over and over again is a really good strategy.

College paper: You're expected to say each point once then develop and explain it, often by giving examples or illustrations. Any special phrases or technical terms need full explanation, not just parroting. Constant repetition, especially of phrases you don't really understand, will drive your professor bonkers—even if she's a hockey mom. Yes, Joe Six-Pack, beware, that sweet mom who goes to every practice and game is secretly packing a Harvard Ph.D. 

Political debate: Giving a nuanced answer is a major gaffe.

College paper: Understanding and articulating the complexities of an issue, seeing shades of gray and not just black and white, taking a position that isn't simply "yes" or "no"—these are the things that distinguish the A-level papers from the rest of the stack. Heck, what can we say? We're the arugula-eating professors, God love us.

Political debate: Confessing that you don't know what you don't know can be a big plus.

College paper: You're expected to have mastered the material and to demonstrate good ability in the methods and tools of the field. Concluding your paper by saying you've been at this for only, like, five weeks isn't very likely to get your professor to slap an A on your paper.

Closing statement: To win the college-paper race:

• Opt for substance, not style
• Answer what's asked 
• Develop your answer 
• Don't repeat or offer slogans 
• Look for nuance 
• Don't make excuses.

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