During your studies you will be required to submit assignments which may include essays, reports and reflective writing. It is important that you spend time planning your assignment before you begin to write your first draft which will help to ensure that you answer the question and meet the assessment criteria. This section will provide you with information regarding understanding the assignment question, managing your time, searching for relevant academic research and writing an assignment plan.
Your programme will require your assignments to be structured and formatted in a particular way. You should always follow any instructions or guidance that you have been issued with, if you are unsure, please contact your Personal Tutor or Student Support Officer for advice.
It is important that you read the assignment question several times to ensure that you fully understand what you are being asked to do and avoid losing valuable marks.
Some students find it helpful to highlight the keywords in the assignment task including any verbs such as Assess and Evaluate.
The Impact that the use of Electric Cars has on the Environment
Also carefully read the assessment criteria, find out what the word count is, the referencing style that you need to use and how the assignment needs to be presented.
If you are unsure about what you are being asked to do you need to speak to your lecturer or tutor.
It is important that you plan when you will be able to work on an assignment to ensure that you make the most of the time available and hand your work in on time. You could use an online calendar to help you manage your time and the assignment writing process can be divided into the following steps:
Further information is also available from the Managing your Time page.
This stage involves searching for print and online sources that will provide you with the information that you need. You could start by thinking about what you already know about the subject. A useful starting point could be your lecture notes and the module reading list.
The Online Library website provides you with access to different resources that you can search to find both print and online resources.
Further information is available from the Academic Research section.
After you have read and made notes on the different sources the next stage is to create an assignment plan. It is important that you check the assessment criteria and the word count which will help you you to identify topics that you may need to research further.
Most assignments follow the structure displayed in the table below:
| Introduction | Introduce the subject, the assignment aims and objectives and how you plan to answer the question. |
| Main Body | Presents your main arguments and discussion in a logical order and is supported by evidence. |
| Conclusion | Summary of the main points and ideas that you have made in your assignment and refers back to the assignment aims and objectives |
The following online videos will provide you with information regarding using Generative AI tools in your assignments:
Success in Academic Writing by
This concise and practical guide takes students step-by-step through the writing process, and covers core aspects of academic writing, from understanding the task and researching the topic through to composing a draft, editing copy and responding to feedback. Chapters feature numerous self-study activities, top tips and opportunities for reflection, alongside examples of good writing from a range of disciplines. By engaging with the text, students will develop confidence, technique and clarity as writers in their discipline, as well as transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.This book will be an invaluable source of guidance for students of all disciplines and levels who are required to write essays, reports, papers or dissertations as part of their studies.New to this Edition:- Incorporates visual learning strategies throughout, making it more accessible to both learners with learning differences and students for whom English is a second language- Contains a number of exercises designed to foster creativity in academic writing
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Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates by
Reading critically, and writing using critical techniques, are crucial skills you need to apply to your academic work. If you need to engage with published (or unpublished) literature such as essays, dissertations or theses, research papers or oral presentations, this proven guide helps you develop a reflective and advanced critical approach to your research and writing. New to this edition: Two new chapters on basic and advanced writing skills More advice on self-bias and perception Updates and additional examples throughout Updated online resources providing additional support. A Companion Website provides additional resources to help you apply the critical techniques you learn. From templates and checklists, access to SAGE journal articles and additional case studies, these free resources will make sure you successfully master advanced critical skills.