Planning Your Assignment

Clarify what's being asked of you

Read through course unit outline and the marking criteria and to refresh your understanding of the context for the assignment.

What are you supposed to demonstrate through completion of the task? Evidence of wide reading, the application of theory to practice, skill in reflecting on an experience?

Read the small print. For example, be clear about the required format (e.g. does the assignment need to be double-spaced? what referencing style does your tutor require? Is there a word-limit?) What is the deadline for submission?

Understand the question

The most eloquent and well-structured essay will not succeed if it doesn't answer the question. Our page on Key Phrases Used in Essay Titles will help you.

Draw up a reading list

A little thought in preparing a reading list will mean you get the most out of time spent reading.

Plan your time

See our section on Time Management.

Read and take notes

See our section on Reading or our section on Note-taking if you'd like specific guidance on this.

Draft out an essay plan / report structure

See How to Write an Essay.

Write the assignment!

See How to Write an Essay.

Edit and proof-read the assignment

Rememer to allow time for editing your assignment - check spelling and grammar, ensure that the structure flows logically, and if necessary, whittle down your assignment to comply with the word limit.