5 Must-Know Assignment Writing Tips. Curated For Your Busy Lifestyle.
Undergraduate Edition
Summary
- It’s not about you. What does your university want to see?
- Write the introduction last. Or should you?
- Microsoft Word doesn’t catch them all. Use multiple tools to proofread your assignment.
- Synonyms are your friend but don’t go crazy.
- Your experience and thoughts do not matter. Your tutor wants to see where you got it from and why you are using it.
- Bonus Tip: Take breaks; fresh eyes are key.
1. It’s Not About You — Understand Your University’s Expectations
One common mistake students make is approaching assignments as an opportunity to express personal opinions and experiences. However, the first must-know tip emphasises that it’s not about you — it’s about understanding what your module expects. Before diving into the writing process, read the assignment brief, highlight and underline any key information that you think is important, and get perspective for what you actually need to cover in your assignment.
A blank empty page might look scary but you can already start to populate it by adding the relevant sections noted in your brief, such as a title page, table of contents and figures, introduction, and references list. For each section, you can start by bullet pointing what exactly you need to define and/or discuss. This will help lay the groundwork, turning your empty page into something usable that you can reference back to when you get stuck and unsure of what to write.
It showcases your ability to follow instructions, a crucial skill in academic and professional settings.
2. Write the intro last. Or should you?
Many articles emphasise doing the introduction last, however, it may not always be the case, especially when you’re only just starting with the assignment. Writing an initial introduction based on your assignment brief can help iron out your understanding of what your assignment is about and what your assignment entails. Eventually, time will come where you will have to go back to your introduction and re-word it and add additional context, however, you will have a starting point that you can polish and add additional context.
3. Word doesn’t catch them all — use multiple proofreading tools
While Word has become better at making it easier to proofread your work, it may not catch everything. To elevate your proofreading game, use multiple tools. Consider using tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or us? Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of manual proofreading. Reading your assignment aloud can help you catch errors that might slip through automated tools.
4. Synonyms are your friend but don’t go nuts
While variety in your language is commendable, overloading your assignment with synonyms can be counterproductive. The key is to strike a balance between linguistic diversity and clarity. Choose synonyms that enhance your writing and contribute to a more engaging narrative. Avoid using unfamiliar words solely for the sake of variety; this can lead to confusion and undermine the clarity of your message. Keep in mind that effective communication is the ultimate goal, and synonyms should enhance, not complicate, your writing.
For example, unless you’re writing confusing legal documents, don’t use ‘per contra’ as a replacement for ‘however’ and stick to simpler alternatives like ‘but’ or ‘in contrast’.
5. Your experience and thoughts do not matter — focus on sources and analysis
Personal experiences and thoughts are not the primary focus of academic writing. Instead, prioritise the sources you use and the depth of your analysis. Cite reputable sources that support your arguments where you critically analyse them, showing your ability to analyse, synthesise, and apply information. For example, if you are an adult nurse student, do not attempt to cite the national breakdown cover company AA when discussing adverse childhood experiences and smoking in the car. You will most likely get marked down for not using relevant academic sources; a personal ‘oops’ moment from a student we know.
Remember, your tutor is interested in your understanding of the subject matter and your capacity to find and critically compare scholarly perspectives within your work. Citing academic sources is key and personal anecdotes should only be incorporated if explicitly requested or relevant to the assignment.
Bonus Tip: Take breaks — fresh eyes are a game changer
In the hustle and bustle of student life, it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of continuous work. However, this is a reminder for you to appreciate taking breaks. Fresh eyes are key to effective proofreading and critical analysis.
Give yourself the time and opportunity for short or long breaks during the writing process. Stepping away from your assignment or doing a different assignment allows you to return with a renewed perspective, making it easier to identify error, refine arguments, and enhance overall quality of your assignment. This approach not only improves the final piece but also contributes to your well-being by preventing burnout.
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