Preparing for your assignments
By now most undergraduate students are preparing for their end of year assignments and exams. How prepared are you for the task of writing an essay or report?
By taking a little longer to prepare at the beginning you are more likely to have a successful outcome and achieve a well written piece of work. Here are some easy tips to follow as you begin the process:
- Do you know what you are being asked to do?: make sure you understand what the assignment brief is asking you to do. Take note of the words used. For example, analysing something is different from being asked to describe it.
- Create an essay plan: take time to consider what information you need to answer the question and what you already know on the topic. Most pieces of work have an introduction, a main body and a conclusion. What information do you need for each area and what order should it come in? Use a structure outline and as you gather your information add it into your plan. As you research the topic add the relevant information into the plan and build your essay from the notes taken. Always keep the essay question available so you can remind yourself of the topic.
- Conduct your research: take your plan further and begin researching and reading around the information needed to answer your essay question. Remember the importance of citing where your information comes from. Make a note on the essay plan of the author(s) and date relevant to the discussion point. Always remember it is never just about one point of view so you need to explore more than one text and articles. See our Blog on Reading and Research for Assignments which explores how and what to read and research more fully.
- Begin the writing process: take your initial essay plan and begin adding in points for paragraphs. Some students list each paragraph for content, while others find a few points around several topics helps to structure the order of the information. Think about that and consider for example whether you want it to be presented chronologically or by theorist perhaps?
- You aren’t just describing: remember you need analysis in whatever you are writing and will always need to consider more than one author’s opinion or one theory’s approach. The wider you research around your topic the richer your discussions can be.
Writing is a process, and one draft will rarely accomplish the final task in hand. However, to prevent too many rewrites plan your essay from the beginning and build it as you go.
REMEMBER to:
Engage directly with the question or topic and understand what you are being asked to do
Take a logical approach and use a clear structure in your planning and writing
Use reasoning, argument and analysis throughout the work
Indicate an effective use of sources and never rely on only one source for information
Read the assignment brief criteria and ensure good presentation
If you are struggling with your assignment writing, please contact us at Academic Futures for help. We can guide you to ‘work smarter, not harder’.
Preparing for your assignments
By now most undergraduate students are preparing for their end of year assignments and exams. How prepared are you for the task of writing an essay or report?
By taking a little longer to prepare at the beginning you are more likely to have a successful outcome and achieve a well written piece of work. Here are some easy tips to follow as you begin the process:
- Do you know what you are being asked to do?: make sure you understand what the assignment brief is asking you to do. Take note of the words used. For example, analysing something is different from being asked to describe it.
- Create an essay plan: take time to consider what information you need to answer the question and what you already know on the topic. Most pieces of work have an introduction, a main body and a conclusion. What information do you need for each area and what order should it come in? Use a structure outline and as you gather your information add it into your plan. As you research the topic add the relevant information into the plan and build your essay from the notes taken. Always keep the essay question available so you can remind yourself of the topic.
- Conduct your research: take your plan further and begin researching and reading around the information needed to answer your essay question. Remember the importance of citing where your information comes from. Make a note on the essay plan of the author(s) and date relevant to the discussion point. Always remember it is never just about one point of view so you need to explore more than one text and articles. See our Blog on Reading and Research for Assignments which explores how and what to read and research more fully.
- Begin the writing process: take your initial essay plan and begin adding in points for paragraphs. Some students list each paragraph for content, while others find a few points around several topics helps to structure the order of the information. Think about that and consider for example whether you want it to be presented chronologically or by theorist perhaps?
- You aren’t just describing: remember you need analysis in whatever you are writing and will always need to consider more than one author’s opinion or one theory’s approach. The wider you research around your topic the richer your discussions can be.
Writing is a process, and one draft will rarely accomplish the final task in hand. However, to prevent too many rewrites plan your essay from the beginning and build it as you go.
REMEMBER to:
Engage directly with the question or topic and understand what you are being asked to do
Take a logical approach and use a clear structure in your planning and writing
Use reasoning, argument and analysis throughout the work
Indicate an effective use of sources and never rely on only one source for information
Read the assignment brief criteria and ensure good presentation
If you are struggling with your assignment writing, please contact us at Academic Futures for help. We can guide you to ‘work smarter, not harder’.
Key Services we can offer you:
Learn how to manage your workload, take effective notes, and improve your academic writing.
Develop strategies to plan assignments, avoid procrastination, and balance study with other commitments.
Gain confidence in delivering academic presentations and defending your research.
Ensure your assignments and theses are polished and meet academic standards.
Learn what lecturers look for in assignments and how to approach higher education successfully.
Assistance in adapting to university culture, overcoming culture shock, and feeling at home in your new environment.
Guidance on structuring essays, referencing correctly, and improving clarity in writing.
Enhance your ability to analyse sources, construct strong arguments, and engage in independent learning.
Ensure your assignments and theses are polished and meet academic standards.
Contact Us
Contact us for further information on these services. All our tutors have had lengthy careers in HE as lecturers, teaching in the UK and abroad and our administrative staff will be happy to give you the relevant prices for the courses available.
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