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15 foolproof tips for writing a great assignment

15th Aug 2015

Student advice

If you’re the kind of person that only has to hear the word “assignment” and immediately has flashbacks to stuffy classrooms, ticking clocks and staring a blank page for hours….DON’T PANIC.

Our 15 foolproof tips for writing a great assignment will guide you to success.

Before you start…

1. do your reading.

Your course or module will have a reading list; make sure you actually use it! Your tutors choose texts to specifically help with your assignments and modules, and you’ll gain some valuable insights into the topic that are sure to make writing your assignment easier.

Expert tip:  If you have the time, do some reading from other sources not on your list to back up your argument.

2. Check the deadline

There’s nothing worse than scheduling time to sit down and write then glancing at the calendar and realising you’ve only got a few days left. Double-checking the deadline means you’ll have no nasty surprises.

Expert tip:  There are many apps out there that can add a ‘countdown’ to your phone or tablet. Use these to keep your assignment deadline front of mind.

3. Plan your time

Finding time to write is easier said than done, but if you break your time down into manageable chunks you’ll find it’s much easier to keep on top of your workload. Try scheduling mini-deadlines along the way (e.g. aim to have the first section done by a certain day) to keep your momentum going.

Expert tip:  Be realistic about the time you have spare, and the time you’re willing to give up. If you schedule a writing session at 9 p.m. on Friday evening when you’d rather be relaxing, chances are you won’t get anything done.

4. Ask for help (if you need it)

If there’s any doubt in your mind about the question or the requirements of the assignment, ask your tutor. It’s better to start right than have to re-write in the last few days.

Expert tip:  Remember, your tutor wants you to do well. He or she will not be annoyed if you need to ask a few questions.

5. Plan your assignment structure

Before you start, it can help to create a basic assignment structure. This can be as detailed as you like but the basic structure should contain your introduction points, your key arguments and points, and your planned conclusion.

Expert tip:  Try writing out your plan on sticky notes. These will allow you to rearrange your arguments and points easily as your plan develops.

As you’re writing…

6. introduction.

You wouldn’t start a conversation without introducing yourself; your assignment is the same. Your first paragraph should introduce your key argument, add a bit of context and the key issues of the question, and then go on to explain how you plan to answer it.

Expert tip:  Some people find it easier to write their introduction after they’ve finished the rest of their assignment. Give it a try!

7. Structure your argument

As you write the body of your assignment, make sure that each point you make has some supporting evidence. Use statistics or quotes you gathered during your reading to support your argument, or even as something to argue against.

Expert tip:  If you’re using a lot of different sources, it’s easy to forget to add them to your reference list. Make things easier for yourself by writing it as you go along.

8. Conclusion

Your conclusion is your final chance to summarise your argument and leave a lasting impression with your reader. Make sure you recap the key points and arguments you made in your assignment, including supporting evidence if needed.

Expert tip:  Make sure that you don’t introduce any new ideas in your conclusion; this section is purely for summarising your previous arguments.

9. Getting over writer’s block

Struggling to write? There’s nothing more frustrating than putting aside time to write and then just staring at a blank page. Luckily, there are lots of thing to try to get you inspired : a change of scenery, putting on some music, writing another section of the essay or just taking a short break.

Expert tip:  If you find yourself unable to write, try to use your time to read ahead or re-read what you’ve already written.

10. Make sure you use your ‘essay voice’

While each university, school or each college will probably have its own style guide, you should always use a neutral and professional tone when writing an assignment. Try to avoid slang, overly-familiar phrases and definitely don’t use text-speak!

Expert tip:  If you’re not sure about a phrase or word, search for it online to see what other publications use it. If it’s in a dictionary or used by a national newspaper it’s probably OK to use in your assignment.

After you finish…

11. get a little distance.

If you’ve got time (and you should have if you managed to stick to your schedule!), put your first draft aside for a day or two before re-reading it. This will give you time to step back and read your assignment objectively, making it easier to spot mistakes and issues.

Expert tip:  If you find it easier to review on paper, print out your assignment with double-line spacing to accommodate your notes and corrections.

12. Make sure you’ve answered the question

As you’re reading through your first draft of your assignment, check that all your points are relevant to the original question. It’s easy to drift off on a tangent when you’re in mid-flow.

Expert tip:  Read each paragraph and consider it on its own merit as to whether it answers the question, and also to check that it contributes to your overall argument.

13. Don’t be afraid to cut text out

Sometimes, when you’ve struggled to reach a word count it can be hard to remove text that you’ve slaved over. But if a piece of text isn’t supporting your argument then it doesn’t have a place in your assignment.

Expert tip:  With word processing software, the ‘Track Changes’ feature allows you to edit text without losing it forever. And if you realise later that you’ve made a mistake, just reject the change.

14. Check and double-check your spelling

Nothing can give a bad impression as quickly as a spelling mistake. Errors are distracting, look unprofessional and in the worst case they can undermine your argument. If you’re unsure about the correct use of a word, look it up online or use an alternative that you’re more comfortable with.

Expert tip:  While you’re running your spell-checker, check your word count too. You’re usually allowed to deviate by 10% above or below the assignment word count, but check with your institution’s guidelines.

15. Cite your sources

References and creating a bibliography are key skills that you unfortunately have to master when writing an assignment. Check your institution’s guidelines before you start to make sure you’re including all the information you need.

Expert tip:  Some eBooks have a citation feature that automatically collates all the information you need for your bibliography.

Wondering how you can apply these skills? Download a prospectus to choose your course today!

How to Do an Assignment in University: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you getting overwhelmed with university assignments? do not worry; You are not alone. Many students find themselves struggling to manage their workload effectively. However, with the right approach and strategy, you can conquer your assignments and achieve academic success. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and techniques to help you navigate the uk assignment writing process with confidence.

1. Understand the Assignment Prompt

Before diving into the task, read the assignment prompt carefully. Pay attention to the following components:

Preamble: Set the assignment in the context of your course. Remind yourself of what you’ve learned so far and how it prepares you for the job.

Justification and Purpose: Understand why this particular type of assignment (eg, essay, lab report, policy memo) has been chosen. Consider how this aligns with the course segment’s learning objectives.

Mission: Get a broad overview of the project. What is the big picture? What are you setting out to achieve?

2. Plan Your Approach

Now that you know what to expect, plan your approach:

Preliminary Research: Familiarize yourself with the topic. Review relevant course concepts and content.

Develop a Research Question or Thesis: Develop a clear question or thesis statement that guides your research.

Create a Research Plan: Decide where to look for information (library, online databases, etc.) and allocate time for research.

3. Gather Information

Read Sources: Dive into the reading list provided by your course. Lecturers curate these resources to help you with your assignments.

Take Notes: summarize key points, write down quotes, and record references. Organize your notes for easy retrieval.

4. Craft Your Assignment

Thesis and Outline: Develop a strong thesis statement and create an outline. Each paragraph should cover one idea or argument.

Write the First Draft: Start Writing! Use clear and concise language. Avoid unnecessary words unless necessary.

Revise and Edit: Polish your draft. Check for coherence, clarity, and proper formatting. Proofread for grammar and spelling errors.

5. Seek Help When Needed

Consult Your Professors: Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Professors appreciate students who ask for clarification.

Use Available Resources: Take advantage of writing centers, online tutorials, and peer feedback.

6. Time Management

Start Early: Procrastination leads to stress. Start the assignment as soon as you receive it.

Break It Down: Break the task into manageable chunks. Set mini-deadlines for research, drafting and editing.

Review and Submit: Before submitting, review your assignment one last time. Make sure it meets the requirements.

Remember, assignments are opportunities to deepen your understanding, demonstrate your skills, and engage with course material. Approach them with curiosity and a positive mindset. good luck! 🌟

• Schools & departments

Academic writing

Advice and resources to support you with effective academic writing.

Approaches to writing

Assignment writing is a process which involves planning, drafting and reviewing what you are going to say. You will find you need to review your initial plan and edit it as you go along. You should expect to have to redraft some sections of writing.

You should also check any guidance given to you as part of your course, as conventions vary between subject areas.

One of the hardest things can be to get started writing an assignment. Sometimes this is a question of taking the time to reflect on what you are being asked to do in the assignment brief. 

Getting started with an assignment

The handout Getting started suggests a way in which you can break down your task, think about aspects of it and commit some of your initial ideas to paper. It also suggests ways you can start to adapt this method to suit you. Alternatively you may prefer to use a prompt list to start to analyse your title.

Getting started (pdf)       Getting started (Word rtf)

Essay title prompts (pdf)       Essay title prompts (Word rtf)

You will want to respond to the assignments you have been set as well as you can. This means paying attention to key words in the question or assignment brief. These are sometimes known as command or directive words because they tell you what to do. The document Directive words provides definitions of some of the commonly used words.

Directive words (pdf)       Directive words (Word rtf)   Directive words – British Sign Language translation (Media Hopper video)

Getting your ideas in order

In any written assignment you will be expected to organise and structure information which is synthesised from a range of sources. You will need to make notes from your readings to help you consolidate and connect your research to your question. The Reading at university page has strategies to help you develop effective skills for making notes from reading.

Reading at university

Making notes means you end up with lots of bits of writing which you need to link together for your reader. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to select and how to identify relationships between ideas and concepts.

There are suggestions in the Getting your ideas in order handout of practical ways in which you might reorganise your material in response to the task set. Playing around with the order can help you arrive at a line reasoning that will convince the reader. Aim to experiment and find out what works for you.

Getting your ideas in order (pdf)           Getting your ideas in order (Word rtf)

Essay parts and paragraphs

If you have been asked to write an academic essay, and you haven't done this before, you may be unsure of what is expected. The Parts of an essay handout gives a brief introductory overview of the component parts of an essay.

Parts of an essay (pdf)           Parts of an essay (Word rtf)

Paragraphs are the building blocks of an essay and are a way of organising your thinking and making your meaning clear in your writing for your reader. The handout Developing writing in paragraphs encourages you to think about the way you shape your paragraphs and when to move on to a new one.

Developing writing in paragraphs (pdf)          Developing writing in paragraphs (Word rtf) 

Build an argument as you go

Identifying and writing about good evidence is not enough. You need to build an argument. An argument is:

Using reasons to support a point of view, so that known or unknown audiences may be persuaded to agree. Cottrell, S. (2011)Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument. 2nd edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, p52.

You can develop your argument as you read and write by creating a working hypothesis or basic answer in response to the assignment brief.  

Building an argument as you go (pdf)            Building an argument as you go (Word rtf)

As you move through your studies lecturers will expect more from your written work. They will expect the accurate attribution of ideas from others (including academic and other authors, and the ideas of those who teach you). There is general advice and resources for referencing and citations (and avoiding plagiarism) on the Referencing and citations page.

Referencing and citations

Your marker(s) will expect written pieces to be logically structured with fluid expression of thought, and with deeper and more critical engagement with the subjects and ideas you are reading and learning about. 

Aim to become familiar with the level of writing required by reading good quality examples.  At an advanced level you are aiming to write to the style you read in academic journals. 

As your written tasks become longer and more complex it can be helpful to reflect on your own writing process.

Reflect on your writing process (pdf)            Reflect on your writing process (Word rtf)

Different types of academic writing

Academic writing is much more than just an essay. You might be asked to write a lab or business report, a policy brief, a blog post, a journal article or a reflection piece for example. These tend to be subject and task specific so you need to check the assignment brief and any criteria for details of their purpose, formatting, structure, things to include etc.

Reflective academic writing

In some subjects, assessment may be based on critical reflection. This can be a challenge as it is a very particular style and form of writing which you may not have come across before. As well as check your assignment brief for specifics, the University’s Employability Consultancy have created a Reflection Toolkit of resources, models and questions to help you develop your reflective writing skills.

The Reflection Toolkit

School-level support

Take advantage of any writing development sessions organised through or learning materials offered by your School, Deanery or course. These will help you develop the specific writing skills you need for your discipline or subject area.

Writing your own title

If you have to write your own title in response to the brief you have been set, you need to think about how to frame this.  The Formulating your own title handout suggests some aspects to consider.

Formulating your own title (pdf)          Formulating your own title (Word rtf)

Differences from non-academic writing

If you are studying during a career break, or part-time while still working, you need to be aware that academic writing is a very different skill from other forms of writing you may have done in the workplace. Academic writing tends to be more formal, requiring succinct prose rather than bullet points, and it is more about the argument than simply conveying, or describing, information. Writing for assessment requires you to think carefully about your assignment and criteria, your argument and content, use of your subject specific conventions (e.g. language, style etc.), and your audience.

Your written work needs to be grounded in and backed up by appropriate and informed opinion and sources, rather than solely by personal opinion and experience. Academic written work will also make fewer absolute statements. Language is often more tentative or cautious.

Academic Phrasebank is a collection of general phrases taken from academic sources created by John Morley at the University of Manchester. The phrases are sorted into writing and assignment themes such as being critical and writing conclusions.

This article was published on 2024-02-26

A simple but effective guide to writing a perfect assignment

The idea of writing assignments can be daunting; feeling under pressure, and unsure of if you've prepared enough to tackle the question effectively. Remember it does not have to be like this; the most important thing is to start – and start early.

Starting your assignment in good time will allow you to keep looming deadline pressures down. This should help you to maintain a better headspace; which will increase your ability to focus.

Keep reading for our quick guide to writing assignments; perfect for all levels. We recommend you also read the more detailed ABE Assignment Guide document below and, of course, work closely with your ABE tutors.

1. Read the Question

This may seem like an obvious step, but it is one that is often overlooked. Many of us do not take the time to carefully read the assignment question, and instead, skim-read. This can be risky as although you may have identified some of the keywords you think are important, you need to fully understand what is being asked and what answer the examiner is looking for.

Read our guide to command words here:

It is easy to get carried away and delve into writing your assignment without really answering the question. A good way to avoid this is to take some time to consider the keywords within the question and what they are prompting you to do. Understanding directive words such as 'evaluate', 'discuss', and 'explain', are vital when writing an assignment, as they provide instruction on how you are supposed to answer the question. It is a good idea to highlight or underline these words within the question, to help you keep them in mind as you progress through your assignment.

Sometimes the question can be written in a manner that makes it appear more intimidating than it is. Once you have read (and re-read) the question, you may find that what is being asked is actually quite straightforward. You may also benefit from rewriting it in a way that you are able to process the instructions  better .

2. Research & Planning

Carefully researching and planning your assignment will give you a structure to follow when it comes to writing it. Research and planning will allow you to be better prepared and could make the difference between a mediocre piece of work and an exceptional one.

This is your chance to consider any specifications for the assignment such as word count, the points you would like to include, and how it needs to be set out.

When planning the points for your assignment it is important to understand what you are working towards. You should refer to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the assignment to help you with this. You can find these on the assignment brief as well as within the syllabus, in your Study Guide or in the Qualification Specification document for your course.  

As well as researching the topic, it is also a good idea to find good source materials to include in your assignments beforehand. It's a good idea to do wider reading from reputable sources to gain different perspectives to support your answer.

3. Structure

Before you start, it can help to create an assignment structure. This can be as detailed as you like but the basic structure should be your introduction, key arguments and points, and your planned conclusion.

Introduction

This refers to a short paragraph that explains what you are going to be discussing. It should outline your argument and reference the key issues within the question.

This is where you should focus on structuring your argument. You may need to compare or critically evaluate two or more different methods or theories to explain your choices or recommendations. Examiners are looking to see if you can analyse information and make decisions accordingly. You should make sure that your ideas and claims are supported with research when required.

-   When you start to discuss a new idea, you should start another paragraph

- When using a lot of different sources for supporting evidence, it can be easy to forget to add them to your reference list. To avoid this, reference as you go along

The conclusion is your final chance to summarise what you have discussed. You should be careful not to introduce new points that you did not mention within your assignment. A good conclusion will leave a lasting impression on the examiner, so make it count.

- Recap the key points in your assignment, including supporting evidence if needed.

4. Drafting

Ask your teacher for feedback by submitting the first draft of your assignment a few weeks before the final hand-in date. This will help you improve your assignment before submitting your final version.

- Make sure it is your own work; although your teacher can give you some advice on how to improve your work, you must write the assignment yourself

5. Proofread

Editing and proofreading can help you to improve your assignment even after you’ve finished writing it. Before doing this, it is important to get some distance from your work. Taking a short break will help you to come back and check it over with fresh eyes.

When proofreading, as well as grammatical; and spelling errors; you should be checking that the structure of your assignment is clear and that you have properly addressed all of the question.

- It can often be difficult to see mistakes in your own work, if possible ask a friend or family member to proofread your assignment for you

- Refer back to the assignment objectives; have you answered the question?

- Make sure that your assignment reads well, and that you are within the word count

6. Plagiarism & Referencing

Not taking the time out to reference properly is the biggest way to lose marks on an assignment. When using books, cases and journals you must reference to show where you got your information from.

When writing ABE assignments, you should use  Harvard Referencing  to correctly cite information sources and include a bibliography at the end. Citations should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If there are multiple sources by the same author, then citations are listed in order by the date of publication. Also, read the ABE Assignment Guide for more helpful information about referencing.

Using your own words, and correctly citing information sources mentioned within your assignment will help you ensure you have not committed  plagiarism .

- Use anti-plagiarism software such as  Quetext  to check your work before submission, to pick up any risk of plagiarism. Your examiner will also be checking for plagiarism when marking; remember it’s not worth the risk – your assignment could be rejected if you get caught.  

Writing assignments is something most of us cannot avoid; following these steps should make the process a lot easier. 

We wish you every success. Do share any top tips of your own.

Happy writing.

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Basic essay structure

Improve your writing

Organise your essays to demonstrate your knowledge, show your research and support your arguments

Essays are usually written in continuous, flowing, paragraphed text and don’t use section headings. This may seem unstructured at first, but good essays are carefully structured.

How your assignment content is structured is your choice. Use the basic pattern below to get started.

Essay structure

An essay consists of three basic parts:, introduction.

The essay itself usually has no section headings. Only the title page, author declaration and reference list are written as headings, along with, for example, appendices. Check any task instructions, and your course or unit handbook, for further details.

Content in assignment introductions can vary widely. In some disciplines you may need to provide a full background and context, whereas other essays may need only a little context, and others may need none.

An introduction to an essay usually has three primary purposes:

• To set the scene
• To tell readers what is important, and why
• To tell the reader what the essay is going to do (signposting)

A standard introduction includes the following five elements:

• A statement that sets out the topic and engages the reader.
• The background and context of the topic.
• Any important definitions, integrated into your text as appropriate.
• An outline of the key points, topic, issues, evidence, ideas, arguments, models, theories, or other information, as appropriate. This may include distinctions or contrasts between different ideas or evidence.
• A final sentence or two which tells the reader your focal points and aims.

You should aim to restrict your introduction to information needed for the topic and only include background and contextual information which helps the reader understand it, or sets the scene for your chosen focal points.

In most essays you will have a considerable range of options for your focus. You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to select the most relevant content to address your focal points.

There are some exceptions. For example, if an assignment brief specifically directs the essay focus or requires you to write broadly about a topic. These are relatively rare or are discipline-specific so you should check your task instructions and discipline and subject area conventions.

Below are examples of an opening statement, a summary of the selected content, and a statement at the end of the introduction which tells the reader what the essay will focus on and how it will be addressed. We've use a fictional essay.

The title of our essay is: 'Cats are better than dogs. Discuss.'

To submit this essay you also would need to add citations as appropriate.

Example of opening statements:

People have shared their lives with cats and dogs for millenia. Which is better depends partly on each animal’s characteristics and partly on the owner’s preferences.

Here is a summary of five specific topics selected for the essay, which would be covered in a little more detail in the introduction:

• In ancient Egypt, cats were treated as sacred and were pampered companions.
• Dogs have for centuries been used for hunting and to guard property. There are many types of working dog, and both dogs and cats are now kept purely as pets.
• They are very different animals, with different care needs, traits and abilities.
• It is a common perception that people are either “cat-lovers” or “dog-lovers”.
• It is a common perception that people tend to have preferences for one, and negative beliefs about and attitudes towards, the other.

Example of closing statements at the end of the introduction:

This essay will examine both cats’ and dogs’ behaviour and abilities, the benefits of keeping them as pets, and whether people’s perceptions of their nature matches current knowledge and understanding.

Main body: paragraphs

The body of the essay should be organised into paragraphs. Each paragraph should deal with a different aspect of the issue, but they should also link in some way to those that precede and follow it. This is not an easy thing to get right, even for experienced writers, partly because there are many ways to successfully structure and use paragraphs. There is no perfect paragraph template.

The theme or topic statement

The first sentence, or sometimes two, tells the reader what the paragraph is going to cover. It may either:

• Begin a new point or topic, or
• Follow on from the previous paragraph, but with a different focus or go into more-specific detail. If this is the case, it should clearly link to the previous paragraph.

The last sentence

It should be clear if the point has come to an end, or if it continues in the next paragraph.

Here is a brief example of flow between two summarised paragraphs which cover the historical perspective:

It is known from hieroglyphs that the Ancient Egyptians believed that cats were sacred. They were also held in high regard, as suggested by their being found mummified and entombed with their owners (Smith, 1969). In addition, cats are portrayed aiding hunters. Therefore, they were both treated as sacred, and were used as intelligent working companions. However, today they are almost entirely owned as pets.

In contrast, dogs have not been regarded as sacred, but they have for centuries been widely used for hunting in Europe. This developed over time and eventually they became domesticated and accepted as pets. Today, they are seen as loyal, loving and protective members of the family, and are widely used as working dogs.

There is never any new information in a conclusion.

The conclusion usually does three things:

• Reminds your readers of what the essay was meant to do.
• Provides an answer, where possible, to the title.
• Reminds your reader how you reached that answer.

The conclusion should usually occupy just one paragraph. It draws together all the key elements of your essay, so you do not need to repeat the fine detail unless you are highlighting something.

A conclusion to our essay about cats and dogs is given below:

Both cats and dogs have been highly-valued for millenia, are affectionate and beneficial to their owners’ wellbeing. However, they are very different animals and each is 'better' than the other regarding care needs and natural traits. Dogs need regular training and exercise but many owners do not train or exercise them enough, resulting in bad behaviour. They also need to be 'boarded' if the owner is away and to have frequent baths to prevent bad odours. In contrast, cats do not need this level of effort and care. Dogs are seen as more intelligent, loyal and attuned to human beings, whereas cats are perceived as aloof and solitary, and as only seeking affection when they want to be fed. However, recent studies have shown that cats are affectionate and loyal and more intelligent than dogs, but it is less obvious and useful. There are, for example, no 'police' or 'assistance' cats, in part because they do not have the kinds of natural instincts which make dogs easy to train. Therefore, which animal is better depends upon personal preference and whether they are required to work. Therefore, although dogs are better as working animals, cats are easier, better pets.

Download our basic essay structure revision sheet

Download this page as a PDF for your essay structure revision notes

Better Essays: Signposting

Paragraphs main body of an assessment

• 301 Academic Skills Centre
• Study skills online

Formatting your assignments

Illustrated step-by-step guides to help you understand the formatting and presentation expectations of university assignments.

Introduction 

Although formatting your essay, report or dissertation can feel like a lesser priority than the process of research and writing itself, it is an important way to ensure your ideas are given the spotlight through visually accessible, professional presentation. Formatting can be a minefield, especially when you’re formatting at the last minute; it’s important to leave a few days at the end of your essay writing process for working on your formatting, and to spend some time familiarising yourself with the different aspects of formatting.

301 Recommends:

Our Essay Structure and Planning workshop will outline how to analyse your essay question, discuss approaches logically structure all your ideas, help you make your introductions and conclusions more effective, and teach how to link your ideas and ensure all essay content flows logically from the introduction.

Below, you will find some general introductions to the key areas. 

Action: know the rules 

Because formatting rules can vary greatly depending on your department or assignment, it’s crucial to check the formatting specifications in your assignment description/rubric, and any general departmental presentation standards, as a first port of call. Many referencing systems also have specific rules about how to format your work, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the university library’s referencing guides . Many referencing systems also have more detailed style guides available via their websites.

Formatting key information  

Assignment cover sheets .

In some departments, you may be expected to include a cover sheet on the front page of your assignment. This is a page including key information about your assignment, such as your module number, student registration number, essay title, and submission date.

You may be asked to submit a plagiarism declaration and to make your markers aware of any disabilities through the yellow sticker system . If you are asked to include a cover sheet in your assignment, your department should make you aware of where you can access this.

Assignment titles

Place your assignment title at the top of your first page, either centre or left aligned, in bold font. At university, you may be assigned a pre-designed essay title/question, or asked to select from several possible titles. You may also be asked to design your own essay title. Here are some top tips on designing your own title:

• To bring focus to your essay, draft a working title at the essay planning stage. You can come back and review this title in light of your finished essay draft.
• Make sure to use action words in your essay title that reflect the skills your assessors are looking for, both in the assignment description and the marking criteria you have been given. For example, if heavy emphasis is placed on critical analysis, you could use a title like ‘Analyse the effect of…’ See this glossary of essay terms , containing examples that you can use in your own titles. 
• The action words you choose can also help you to reflect the structure of the essay in your question. For example, an essay using the action word ‘Discuss’ might use a for/against/conclusion or advantages/disadvantages/conclusion structure, or an essay using the term ‘Analyse’ might break an issue down into parts, e.g. into key themes, to understand its meaning as a whole. Think about the type of essay you want to write: do you want it to be comparative, look at several topics equally, or do you have a clear argument that you want to put forward? You can then create a question that gives you the opportunity to approach the topic from your own perspective.
• Make sure to include the main terminology you are working with in your assignment title.
• Make sure your question has a realistic scope, without being so broad that you cannot answer it within the limitations of your essay. To limit your question, you could include any limiting factors you are working with, such as specific time periods, geographical regions or sub-themes within the overall topic area. For example, in the title ‘Evaluate the proposition that a global monoculture will destroy diversity and difference’, the broad topic of global monoculture is limited down through a specific sub-focus on diversity and difference.

Stating word counts 

Depending on the instructions you have been given, you may be asked to state your word count, either on your cover sheet or at the beginning of your essay. If you are asked to include this information, make sure your word count accurately reflects the assessment guidance: for example, are references included in your word count?

Visual clarity  

Line spacing .

Most assignment descriptions specify that you should increase the space between each line on the page, from the standard 1.0 spacing to either 1.5 or 2.0 spacing. You are asked to do this to make the essay more visually accessible and easier to read, by breaking up the number of lines on each page. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to line spacing in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Fonts 

All non-examination based assignments should be word processed rather than handwritten. Most assignment descriptions will specify that for visual clarity, and to ensure a professional appearance, you should use a plain, sans-serif font such as Arial. For readability, this should be in 11 or 12 point size. Check your departmental or assignment guidance for any specific rules about font choices. 

Page numbering, headers and footers  

Including page numbers in your assignments makes them more accessible. Depending on the departmental guidance you have been given, you may be asked to include these in either the header or the footer of your essay (the blank space above and below where the text would go on a normal page in a word processor). It may also be helpful to include your registration number and the module code of the essay in the same header or footers that specify the page number. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adding page numbers and using headers and footers in Microsoft Word and Google Docs. 

Page layout   

Margins .

A margin is the amount of blank space on either side of a paragraph in a normal word processor. Traditionally, assignment descriptions specified that the margins should be made wider at the binding edge (the left hand side) of the page, to allow for easier reading of printed essays. However, with the shift to online essays, you might not be asked to do this any more and the default settings on your word processor are likely to be sufficiently wide.

For printed dissertations and theses, you may receive specific guidance about the suitable layout of margins, as these are more likely to be printed: see this university guide on formatting PhD theses . 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adjusting margins in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Paragraph alignment 

Most formatting instructions specify that paragraphs should be lined up in a straight line (aligned) on the left hand edge, but left jagged on the right hand edge (like this page). This is called left alignment, or flush-left style, and should be the default alignment setting for your word processor. This style can be helpful for visual accessibility, but check any specific instructions you have been given by your department to see which style of alignment you have been asked to use. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adjusting paragraph alignment in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.  

Paragraph indentation

You may be asked to add indents to your paragraphs: an indent is an additional small gap between the margin and the beginning of a paragraph (it makes a ‘dent’ in the first line of your paragraph). Indents are used to provide extra clarification that the reader is starting a new paragraph after finishing the last one: therefore, they should not be used in the first paragraph of your essay. Indents are not always required, and whether you are expected to use them may depend on your referencing style , and any formatting instructions you have been given by your department.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to indenting paragraphs in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Formatting referenced material 

Footnotes and endnotes .

Some referencing systems require you to use footnotes or endnotes to format your references (make sure to check the library’s referencing guide to familiarise yourself with the expected format of your referencing style). Inserting a footnote into your word document when you have cited from a source adds a superscript number (a number formatted in a smaller font) to the sentence. It creates a note with a matching number at the bottom of the page you are working on (in the footer), which you can add the reference information to.

Endnotes work in the same way, but instead of appearing at the bottom of the page, the reference list appears at the end of the document.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to manually inserting footnotes and endnotes in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.  

References and bibliographies  

Instead of, or alongside footnotes/endnotes, some referencing systems ask you to include a bibliography and/or a reference list at the end of the essay (make sure to check the library’s referencing guide to familiarise yourself with the expected format of your referencing style). A reference list is a list of all the sources you have directly referred to in the essay, which could be ordered numerically or alphabetically, depending on your referencing style.

A bibliography could be used alongside, or instead of, a reference list, depending on your referencing style; here, you list all the sources you have consulted that have influenced your ideas, whether they are included in the essay or not. The way this is ordered also depends on your referencing style. 

If you auto-generate your citations in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can auto-generate your bibliography instead of creating it manually: instructions for doing so are in the resource below. If you use a different reference manager, such as Mendeley, Zotero, or Endnote, these have their own specific instructions for auto-generating bibliographies. See the reference management resources offered by the university. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to manually or automatically formatting a bibliography or reference list in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Block quotations  

When you need to include a quotation in your essay that is three or more lines long, you can add this as a block quotation. A block quotation appears on a separate line to the other parts of the paragraph, and is indented (i.e. there is a wider gap between a block quotation and the left-hand margin than there is between the rest of the paragraph and the left-hand margin). Block quotations aren’t placed in quotation marks, so the indentation is used to indicate that you are using a quotation.

Check your referencing guide and any departmental guidance to learn more about the specific rules on formatting block quotations in your department. Because they take up large chunks of your word count, and break up the flow of your texts, make sure to use block quotations sparingly: they are especially helpful when you are going to perform close analysis of a large section of text. For more information on different types of quotation and how to use them, see our workshop on paraphrasing and using academic sources.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to formatting block quotations in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Advanced formatting 

Headings and contents tables .

Most standard short essays do not include headings, other than the essay title and reference list and/or bibliography. Section headings may be required for some longer or more structured types of academic writing, such as reports; reports often follow a very closely prescribed structure, so it is essential to pay very careful attention to the specific guidelines issued with your brief. Make sure that any system you use for numbering your headings and subheadings is consistently applied throughout the document.

Depending on the advice you have been given, and the length and complexity of a lab report, you may also be required to include a table of contents to help the reader navigate between headings. Contents tables are generally standard practice in longer assignments such as dissertations and theses. Make sure to check any departmental guidance you have been given about formatting reports.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to formatting headings and contents tables in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

301 Recommends: Scientific Writing and Lab Reports Workshop

This workshop  will help you to familiarise yourself with some of the specific expectations associated with this assignment format.

Figures and tables 

Some kinds of essays, dissertations and reports will require you to make use of figures (pictures, diagrams, and graphs) and tables (any data in a table format). Figures and tables are normally numbered in sequence, e.g. ‘Table 1’, ‘Figure 4’, and are directly referred to in the text according to their number, rather than according to their location on the page (e.g. ‘as shown in Table 2’ rather than ‘as shown below’). 

If your text is of dissertation or thesis length, or if your text has several figures, it may also be helpful to include a list of figures immediately after the table of contents. Some referencing guides have specific rules about presenting and referencing tables and figures, so make sure to familiarise yourself with these and carefully read any specific instructions about figures and tables in your assignment brief. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to inserting figures and tables and creating lists of figures/tables in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Top tips for formatting tables and figures:

• Make sure that any tables or figures you use are placed below the paragraph where you refer to them, and that you have directly referred to all figures and tables in the text of the essay.
• The caption for a table usually acts as its title, so this is placed above the table in the document. The caption for a figure is usually placed underneath the figure. Do not include unnecessary additional titles in the graph image itself, if the title is already included in your image caption. 
• Make sure to label your captions consistently, choosing between ‘Fig.’ or ‘Figure’ and consistently using either a full stop or a colon after the label (i.e. ‘Figure 1:’ or ‘Fig. 1.’) 
• Your caption should clearly and succinctly explain what the figure or table is. If the figure is taken from an external source, you must provide a reference that accurately reflects its copyright status (see these university library guides to inserting and attributing images and figures in university work). 
• Make sure to include legends in any charts you use (a key that helps to explain the data in the chart). Any data series you use should be clearly distinguishable from each other (e.g. avoid printing a report with coloured graphs in black and white!) If you are only using one series of data, a legend is not always necessary. 
• Make sure tables are clear and easy to read, using sans serif fonts, a readable font size, and avoiding unnecessary use of colour. 
• Make sure graphs are clear and easy to read, with clearly and appropriately labelled axes. Be wary of 3D effects that may obscure the clarity of a graph.
• Make sure to avoid presenting the same information in a graph and a table.
• Images and figures in printed essays, such as dissertations and theses, should be large enough for the text and numbers to be legible on the printed copy. Make sure they do not extend beyond the print margins of the document. 

301 Recommends: Displaying Data in Graphs and Tables Workshop

This workshop will provide more technical advice on using graphs and tables in your work. See also this Engineering department guidance on formatting graphs and tables in Engineering lab reports.

Appendices 

Appendices commonly appear in dissertations, theses, and lab reports. An appendix provides supporting information that gives the reader a better understanding of the essay, but that might be too long, detailed or awkward to insert into the main body of the essay without breaking up its flow. Interview questions or transcripts, sample questionnaires, raw data, figures, photographs, large/complex datasets, and diagrams are all examples of information that could be included in an appendix, if it is relevant to do so.

The reader should be able to understand the essay without reference to this supporting information, as all the most important and relevant information needed to answer the question should be included in the body (i.e., the appendix should not be used to make room for content that doesn’t fit within your word count). Your appendices must be clearly signposted and explained in the body of your report, highlighting any information that is essential for your reader to understand. Do not include any appendices that are not referenced in the text itself.

The appendices should be placed in numerical or alphabetical order, and signposted according to this specific system (e.g. ‘Appendix B indicates that…’) They should be clearly labelled, using headings that match up to the in-text reference. Appendices usually appear at the very end of the assignment, after your references/bibliography. Make sure to list any appendices used in your table of contents; if you have been instructed to do so by your department or within your referencing system, you could include a list of appendices separate to your contents list. 

The specific format of the appendix heading, and the reference made to the appendix in the text, depends on your referencing style , so make sure to carefully review this information before you design your appendices.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to inserting appendices and creating lists of appendices in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Tips and resources

• Use this 301 proofreading checklist to check over your work when you are finished.
• Use the University Library referencing guide for advice about referencing and formatting that is specific to your referencing style. If you need extra clarification about formatting rules, it is often possible to download an extended style guide from the official website for a specific referencing system. 
• For further training on referencing, using reference generators, and using images in your work, see the University Library workshop programme .

Related information

Academic Writing

Proofreading

Essay structure and planning

Scientific writing and lab reports

Creating accessible Word documents

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Help with writing assignments

You can improve your skills at writing assignments for your subject area in a number of ways: 

• Read the guidance or view the online tutorial on this page.  They both go through the TIME model (Targeted, In-depth, Measured, Evidence-based) to explain what's required in academic writing.
• Come along to one of our Succeed@Tees workshops. We run a workshop on academic writing, as well as on other types of writing (including critical writing, reflective writing, report writing).  See the http://tees.libguides.com/workshops  for more information, including a list of dates and times.
• Book a one-to-one tutorial with a learning advisor  at the Learning Hub. We can provide guidance on your structure and writing style.

Guidance on academic writing

Evidence-based.

• Bringing it all together
• Finally ...

• Writing an assignment takes time, more time than you may expect.  Just because you find yourself spending many weeks on an assignment doesn’t mean that you’re approaching it in the wrong way.
• It also takes time to develop the skills to write well, so don’t be discouraged if your early marks aren’t what you’d hoped for.  Use the feedback from your previous assignments to improve.
• Different types of assignments require different styles, so be prepared for the need to continue to develop your skills.

We’ve broken down TIME into 4 key elements of academic writing: Targeted, In-depth, Measured and Evidence-based.

• What is an academic piece of work

Your assignment needs to be targeted .  It should:

• Be focused on the questions and criteria
• Make a decision
• Follow an argument
• How to be targeted
• Academic keywords or clue words

Your assignment needs to be in-depth .  You should consider your questions and criteria thoroughly, thinking about all possible aspects, and including the argument both for and against different viewpoints.

You should:

• Identify topic areas
• Plan your assignment
• Think about your introduction and conclusion
• How to be in-depth
• How to read quickly

An academic writing style is measured. By this, we mean that it’s:

• Emotionally neutral
• Formal – written in the third person and in full sentences
• How to be measured

Your assignment needs to be evidence-based . You should:

• Reference all the ideas in your work
• Paraphrase your evidence
• Apply critical thinking to your evidence
• How to be evidence-based
• How to paraphrase

Once you’ve found all your evidence, and have decided what to say in each section, you need to write it up as paragraphs.  Each paragraph should be on a single topic, making a single point.  A paragraph is usually around a third of a page. 

We find Godwin’s (2014) WEED model very helpful for constructing paragraphs.

W is for What

You should begin your paragraph with the topic or point that you’re making, so that it’s clear to your lecturer.  Everything in the paragraph should fit in with this opening sentence.

E is for Evidence  

The middle of your paragraph should be full of evidence – this is where all your references should be incorporated.  Make sure that your evidence fits in with your topic.

E is for Examples

Sometimes it’s useful to expand on your evidence.  If you’re talking about a case study, the example might be how your point relates to the particular scenario being discussed.

D is for Do

You should conclude your paragraph with the implications of your discussion.  This gives you the opportunity to add your commentary, which is very important in assignments which require you to use critical analysis. 

So, in effect, each paragraph is like a mini-essay, with an introduction, main body and conclusion.

Allow yourself some TIME to proofread your assignment.  You’ll probably want to proofread it several times. 

You should read it through at least once for sense and structure, to see if your paragraphs flow.  Check that your introduction matches the content of your assignment.  You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve been concise in your writing style. 

You’ll then need to read it again to check for grammatical errors, typos and that your references are correct.

It’s best if you can create some distance from your assignment by coming back to it after a few days. It’s also often easier to pick out mistakes if you read your work aloud.

• How to proofread

Online tutorial for writing assignments

We have an online tutorial to support academic writing. Click on the image below or go to  http://tees.libguides.com/academic_writing  to view the tutorial.

Further Reading

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Planning and Structuring Assignments

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Steps to planning your writing

Understanding the assignment, planning your content, structuring your answer, writing your answer, signposting language.

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Looking for sessions and tutorials on this topic? Find out more about our session types and how to register to book for sessions. You can view our full and up-to-date availability in UniHub  Appointments and Events . 

Not sure where to start developing your academic skills? Take the  SkillsCheck for personalised recommendations on how to build your academic writing and study skills alongside your course.

Planning is an essential part of writing a successful assignment and ensuring you reach your full potential. Key benefits to a clear plan are that it:

• Helps you to manage and make efficient use of your time
• Ensures that you understand and appropriately fulfil the assignment criteria
• Makes the writing process easier and helps you to produce a coherent and well-structured assignment.  

At the start of writing your assignments, it is helpful to create a schedule to help organise your time and break the assignment process up into manageable chunks. Your schedule should include:

• Analysing the question
• Research, reading and note taking
• Planning your answer
• Writing the first draft
• Time to meet with your tutor or module lead (if needed)
• 1 st edit, further research, amendments
• Proofing and formatting

What type of assignment is it?

It’s crucial to understand what type of assignment you are being asked to produce – is it an essay, a literature review, a report, annotated bibliography, or a piece of reflective writing? Each type of assignment has different conventions and will have different requirements to be successful.

Understanding the title

Break down your question to make sure you understand what is being asked of you and what your focus should be.

Questions can usually be split into three sections:

• Instruction words – these will guide/instruct you in how you should approach addressing the question . A list of definitions for commonly used instruction verbs can be downloaded at the bottom of this box.
• Topic words – these will tell you the primary subject of the assignment and may draw your attention to an aspect of the subject that should be given consideration in your response.
• Limiting words – these function as restrictions that help narrow the scope of the question and focus your response.

Let’s look at an example:

The green topic words give us our focus – these can be used as key search terms in Library Search as a way of kickstarting your research on the topic. The red term acts as a restriction – if we started to write about how Batman’s actions had impacted crimes in neighbouring cities, or on a national scale, this would fall outside of the boundaries of the question, and therefore would not gain any marks in this particular assignment.

Question the question

Once you understand the assignment type and have analysed the question, there are a few more questions you should ask:

• Are there key concepts/theories that you will need to define?
• Are there particular aspects of the topic that you want to emphasise?
• If you are required to make a judgement, or give a verdict on something, how will you make this decision?
• Are you going to impose any of your own limiting factors? (This can be a helpful way of focusing a very broad question topic. You can impose your own limiting factors by including them in the introduction of your essay)

Practical considerations

Finally, there are a few practical considerations before you start your essay plan:

• What’s the word count?
• What’s the referencing style? For help with APA referencing look here [insert hyperlink]
• How am I being asked to present my work? Can I include subheadings? What are the requirements for font and size?

It’s useful to know these from the start to save time making changes later in the process.

• Essay terms explained Download our list of instruction words and their definitions to help identify the tasks from your assignment briefs and assessment criteria.
• Essay planning template An A3 guide to essay structure and what each section should include.

Prior knowledge and resources

As you start to plan your answer, the first step should be to consider what you already know about the topic. Think about what has been covered in your lectures/seminar/labs/reading – you may already have quite a lot of relevant information to help you. Likewise, check to see if there are any online reading lists available as these are a very useful starting point.

From here you should have a good idea of what aspects of the question you will need to research in greater detail and where to focus your reading.

When you are reading, your note taking should be an active process. This means engaging with the text rather than just being a passive reader mindlessly highlighting large chunks of text. Here are some key tips to make sure you are an active reader/note-taker:

• Keep your notes selective and concise
• Write notes in your own words as this will help your understanding of the topic
• If you do want to use any direct quotations, keep them short and purposeful. Also, remember to note down the page number straight away so you don’t struggle to find it later!
• Look out for links between what you are reading and what you’ve previously read - do authors agree/disagree? Are theories/models well supported/poorly supported? Are there key challenges?
• Use sub-headings to organise your notes as this well help when you come to write your essay plan.
• Don’t be afraid of making your notes memorable – use colours, underlining and highlighting to draw attention to important information.

For more information, visit our online study guides to critical writing and effective reading .

Throughout this process you should try to reflect on your position in relation to the question and start thinking about what your conclusion might be. This is especially important for questions that are looking for you to give your verdict or opinion on a topic/debate. To help support this it can be useful to try and sum up your argument in one or two short sentences; this helps to ensure that your argument is clear and will help keep your response well-structured and coherent once you start writing.

Now that you’ve completed your reading, it’s time to structure your writing:

• Establish links between different parts of your reading through mind-mapping or identifying common themes.
• Create headings to organise your links – these will become the basis for your paragraphs.
• Start to structure these headings into a logical order and consider how you will order and use these examples to construct and support your response to the assignment.
• There are several different ways you can structure your response, and this might be dependant on what your assignment is asking you to do. For example, if your assignment is organised around themes it might be structured something like this:

Alternatively, if you were contrasting two theories it might look like this:

Of course, these aren’t the only ways to structure your writing and it’s likely that you will need to adapt your plan for each assignment depending on what is required. However, remember that a plan should always help to organise your content so that your response is clear, coherent and well-structured. 

In the same way that essays have a clear structure (introduction, main body, conclusion), the paragraphs within your essay should also follow a pattern. Considering how you structure your paragraphs is important as it helps to improve the clarity of your writing by presenting your chosen evidence and subsequent critical response in a clear and effective way.

Paragraphs should be TIED together:

• Topic sentence – The first sentence of your paragraph should introduce the main topic, theme or next step of your argument. It should summarise what the reader can expect from your paragraph. If the paragraph links directly to the question or assessment criteria you’ve been set, think about what key words make this clear to the reader.  
• Introduce evidence - Before discussing your evidence, it is helpful to signpost to the reader what aspect of the literature you will talk about in more detail. This can be achieved by drawing their attention to something interesting or contextually important that will be relevant in the following section of the paragraph.  
• Evidence – This is where you introduce references and highlight how these support your argument. You could also include counterpoints to your position within this section (and why these challenges are not upheld) or you could have this as a separate paragraph – the choice is up to you!  
• Discussion – Your paragraph should end with your interpretation of the evidence and how this links back to the assignment topic. Within these sentences you may explore ideas such as relevance, significance, impact and future directions – for more help with this, check out our guide to critical writing [insert hyperlink]

Let’s look at this in an example:

"As noted by Alexander (2017), talk has always been an essential component of teaching, and, consequently, learning. Evidence has demonstrated that talking about prose can enhance written responses to texts through increasing student confidence about qualities such as character, theme, and motifs ( Coultas , 2006). Despite this however, the most recent version of the National Curriculum has hugely decreased the role of speaking and listening; this includes even going so far as to remove speaking and listening from formal assessment in GCSE specifications. Furthermore, as noted by Yandell (2013), this has included moving the focus of talk as a collaborative experience to only being on the speaker, thus relegating listening as a key skill. Parallel to this, the types of talk discussed within the classroom has considerably narrowed, to the extent that what students now understand as spoken English, is little more than public speaking. Consequently, teachers are now faced with the responsibility of instilling the foundational skills of speaking and listening in students at an earlier age, to ensure that they have the necessary skills to navigate the complex social world.

Linking your ideas

Signposting language is also a key part of academic writing. Signposts are words or phrases that show a link between two ideas and can also be used to signal transition in your writing. This helps to make your writing more coherent and avoids any jarring changes of topic that leave your reader struggling to understand the connection between two paragraphs. Likewise, you can use signposting to develop your argument by identifying ideas that support or contrast one another, or ideas/findings that have built upon the outcomes of prior work. Ultimately, signposting helps to show the reader the structure of your argument and the direction of your response.

In terms of your planning and structuring, you should think carefully about to use signposting language to link the ideas between your paragraphs, signal key transitions develop your argument. Some examples are included below:

To reference other parts of your essay

• As noted above
• As previously stated,
• Given the evidence outlined earlier in the essay

To introduce a supporting point

• In the same way,

To introduce a contrasting point

• Against this,
• A clear challenge for
• By contrast

To introduce reason/outcomes

• Consequently,
• Taken together the evidence seems to suggest
• Accordingly,

To introduce a conclusion

• As this essay has demonstrated
• From the evidence detailed here, it seems that
• In summary,
• In conclusion,
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How to Write an Assignment – Easy-to-Follow Guide

Our article focuses on how to write an assignment effectively, highlighting the challenges students face in navigating complex tasks. It emphasizes the need to alleviate these struggles by demystifying the process and empowering students to approach tasks with confidence and competence. 

The article promises a comprehensive step-by-step guide from experts in the field, providing both theoretical advice and practical tips from seasoned writers and educators who have successfully navigated the intricacies of assignments. 

This structured approach dismantles the complexities of assignment writing, making the process more manageable and rewarding. The guide is based on real-world experience and academic wisdom, ensuring readers can benefit from the insights gained from those who have mastered the art of assignment writing.

Prewriting Stage

Before starting the writing process, it is essential to understand how to write an assignment prompt. This involves identifying key instructions, determining the purpose of the task, and identifying any specific requirements. By breaking down the language and expectations, writers can establish a solid foundation for the whole writing process. Practical examples and strategies are provided to help writers approach complex prompts with clarity and confidence.

Next, writers must research and gather relevant information. Effective research strategies include using academic databases, libraries, and online resources. Critical evaluation of sources is crucial to ensure the information is relevant and contributes to a well-informed discussion.

A well-defined thesis statement is at the core of any well-crafted assignment, encapsulating the main argument or purpose. This part of the prewriting process guides writers in formulating a clear statement that aligns with the assignment prompt and reflects their understanding of the subject matter.

Importance of Writing an Assignment

Assignment writing is crucial for academic success as it allows students to explore subject matter and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. It influences grades and cultivates a deeper understanding of the subject matter, laying the groundwork for long-term academic success. 

Effective assignment writing is connected to comprehensive learning as it fosters deeper engagement with course content, encourages independent exploration, and enhances research, analytical, and communication skills. This symbiotic relationship between mastering assignment writing and achieving a more comprehensive and enduring understanding of academic material is undeniable, as it helps students develop a deeper understanding of the material and reinforces learning objectives.

Assignment Writing Structure Nuances

Developing a strong introduction, organizing an influential body, and providing a captivating conclusion are essential skills for anyone starting an assignment writing journey. We dissect the craft of each section in this brief manual, offering useful advice on how to write an assignment. Together, let’s examine the intricate procedure.

Introduction

The introduction of an assignment is an important element that sets the stage for a captivating performance. It should capture the reader’s attention from the very first sentence, using techniques such as thought-provoking questions, relevant quotes, or compelling anecdotes. This section aims to equip writers with the tools to create introductions that grab attention and establish the tone and context for the entire assignment.

A well-crafted introduction should also serve as a roadmap, providing the reader with a clear understanding of the assignment’s purpose and scope. It is crucial to articulate the assignment’s objectives succinctly, whether it involves analyzing a specific topic, presenting an argument, or exploring a particular theme. By incorporating examples and breaking down the components of purpose and scope, writers can navigate the fine balance between providing enough information to orient the reader and maintaining intrigue that propels them further into the assignment. The emphasis is on clarity and conciseness, setting the stage for a well-structured and purposeful piece of writing.

The body of an assignment is the intellectual core, where ideas unfold, arguments develop, and concepts are explored in depth. It provides strategies for dividing content logically, such as dividing discussions based on key themes, chronological order, or contrasting perspectives. This helps students in writing an assignment that is structured and reader-friendly.

The strength of any academic assignment lies in its ability to present a compelling and logically sound argument. This section focuses on constructing coherent and logical arguments that address the assignment prompt and contribute to a robust and persuasive narrative. It examines examples of effective argumentation and provides step-by-step guidelines to empower writers with the skills needed to construct a compelling academic discourse.

Writers learn how to write an assignment judiciously and incorporate scholarly sources, data, and real-world examples to bolster their arguments. Comprehending the balance between quantity and quality of evidence enhances the persuasiveness of their arguments, fostering deeper engagement with the reader and establishing credibility within the academic discourse.

The conclusion of an assignment is a reflection of the main ideas and findings presented throughout the body. It serves as a synthesis of these ideas, offering a clear understanding of the key points discussed. This section focuses on summarizing key findings effectively, distilling complex information into concise yet impactful statements.

It emphasizes identifying the assignment’s core takeaways, ensuring the reader leaves with a clear understanding. By providing examples and practical guidelines, this subsection empowers writers for writing an assignment conclusion that resonates with the overall purpose of the assignment, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The conclusion is not only a summary but also a reinforcement of the assignment’s central argument. It guides writers in restating the thesis and reinforcing the main points, ensuring the reader is left with a lasting impression of the assignment’s core arguments.

The Best Way to Write Assignment Projects

To know how to write an assignment effectively, you should avoid common pitfalls such as vague language, excessive wordiness, and unclear expressions. By understanding these pitfalls and learning strategies, writers can enhance the impact of their writing assignments, ensuring their ideas resonate with the reader effectively.

Clarity and coherence in sentences and paragraphs are crucial for well-crafted writing. Techniques to ensure meaningful contributions to the narrative and seamless paragraph flow are explored. By organizing ideas logically, employing effective transitions, and structuring sentences for maximum impact, clear and coherent writing enhances understanding and showcases a writer’s mastery of the subject matter.

Incorporating appropriate academic language is essential for effective communication in scholarly writing. By understanding how to write good assignments with precise vocabulary and navigating academic tone conventions, writers can tailor their language to the expectations of their audience. By incorporating discipline-specific terminology and adhering to established writing conventions, writers can convey their ideas with authority and credibility, contributing to the overall effectiveness of their academic communication.

Writing an Assignment Following Citation Styles

The foundational principle of accurate and ethical citation is crucial in academic writing to avoid plagiarism. This principle involves understanding various methods of attribution, such as in-text citations and footnotes, to integrate others’ ideas into one’s work while giving due credit. By mastering paraphrasing and quoting, writers can maintain academic integrity and contribute responsibly to the scholarly conversation. 

Academic disciplines often follow specific citation styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, which ensure clarity, consistency, and demonstrate a writer’s commitment to scholarly standards. The ultimate goal of proper citation practices is the creation of a comprehensive bibliography or works cited page, which includes a list of sources consulted during the research and writing assignment process. This comprehensive bibliography provides a comprehensive and accurate list of references, adding a layer of professionalism to understanding how to write an assignment.

Final Words on Writing and Editing

The process of editing and proofreading is crucial for ensuring the clarity and coherence of a university assignment . It involves systematically reviewing the work, focusing on the flow of ideas and logical progression, and ensuring each paragraph contributes to the assignment’s central theme. Reputable essay writing services can provide valuable support in this process, employing professional editors who specialize in refining academic writing. These services can help writers enhance the structure and coherence of their work, leading to a polished final product.

The credibility of an assignment writing is also crucial, and it is essential to check for grammatical and spelling errors. Writers learn essential proofreading techniques to identify and rectify common language mistakes, enhancing the professionalism of the work and contributing to the writer’s reputation as a skilled communicator.

Proofreading services often teach how to write assignments, proofread, and identify and correct grammatical and spelling errors, providing an additional layer of assurance for a polished final draft.

Collaboration and feedback are essential in the refinement process, and assignment help services can offer additional layers of feedback through their review and critique services. Experienced professionals provide constructive comments on the content, structure, and style of the university assignment , offering valuable perspectives for enhancement. Engaging with such services allows writers to benefit from expert evaluations, further refining their work before submission.

Essay and dissertation writing skills

Planning your essay

Writing your introduction

Structuring your essay

• Writing essays in science subjects
• Brief video guides to support essay planning and writing
• Writing extended essays and dissertations
• Planning your dissertation writing time

Structuring your dissertation

• Top tips for writing longer pieces of work

Advice on planning and writing essays and dissertations

University essays differ from school essays in that they are less concerned with what you know and more concerned with how you construct an argument to answer the question. This means that the starting point for writing a strong essay is to first unpick the question and to then use this to plan your essay before you start putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

A really good starting point for you are these short, downloadable Tips for Successful Essay Writing and Answering the Question resources. Both resources will help you to plan your essay, as well as giving you guidance on how to distinguish between different sorts of essay questions. 

You may find it helpful to watch this seven-minute video on six tips for essay writing which outlines how to interpret essay questions, as well as giving advice on planning and structuring your writing:

Different disciplines will have different expectations for essay structure and you should always refer to your Faculty or Department student handbook or course Canvas site for more specific guidance.

However, broadly speaking, all essays share the following features:

Essays need an introduction to establish and focus the parameters of the discussion that will follow. You may find it helpful to divide the introduction into areas to demonstrate your breadth and engagement with the essay question. You might define specific terms in the introduction to show your engagement with the essay question; for example, ‘This is a large topic which has been variously discussed by many scientists and commentators. The principle tension is between the views of X and Y who define the main issues as…’ Breadth might be demonstrated by showing the range of viewpoints from which the essay question could be considered; for example, ‘A variety of factors including economic, social and political, influence A and B. This essay will focus on the social and economic aspects, with particular emphasis on…..’

Watch this two-minute video to learn more about how to plan and structure an introduction:

The main body of the essay should elaborate on the issues raised in the introduction and develop an argument(s) that answers the question. It should consist of a number of self-contained paragraphs each of which makes a specific point and provides some form of evidence to support the argument being made. Remember that a clear argument requires that each paragraph explicitly relates back to the essay question or the developing argument.

• Conclusion: An essay should end with a conclusion that reiterates the argument in light of the evidence you have provided; you shouldn’t use the conclusion to introduce new information.
• References: You need to include references to the materials you’ve used to write your essay. These might be in the form of footnotes, in-text citations, or a bibliography at the end. Different systems exist for citing references and different disciplines will use various approaches to citation. Ask your tutor which method(s) you should be using for your essay and also consult your Department or Faculty webpages for specific guidance in your discipline. 

Essay writing in science subjects

If you are writing an essay for a science subject you may need to consider additional areas, such as how to present data or diagrams. This five-minute video gives you some advice on how to approach your reading list, planning which information to include in your answer and how to write for your scientific audience – the video is available here:

A PDF providing further guidance on writing science essays for tutorials is available to download.

Short videos to support your essay writing skills

There are many other resources at Oxford that can help support your essay writing skills and if you are short on time, the Oxford Study Skills Centre has produced a number of short (2-minute) videos covering different aspects of essay writing, including:

• Approaching different types of essay questions  
• Structuring your essay  
• Writing an introduction  
• Making use of evidence in your essay writing  
• Writing your conclusion

Extended essays and dissertations

Longer pieces of writing like extended essays and dissertations may seem like quite a challenge from your regular essay writing. The important point is to start with a plan and to focus on what the question is asking. A PDF providing further guidance on planning Humanities and Social Science dissertations is available to download.

Planning your time effectively

Try not to leave the writing until close to your deadline, instead start as soon as you have some ideas to put down onto paper. Your early drafts may never end up in the final work, but the work of committing your ideas to paper helps to formulate not only your ideas, but the method of structuring your writing to read well and conclude firmly.

Although many students and tutors will say that the introduction is often written last, it is a good idea to begin to think about what will go into it early on. For example, the first draft of your introduction should set out your argument, the information you have, and your methods, and it should give a structure to the chapters and sections you will write. Your introduction will probably change as time goes on but it will stand as a guide to your entire extended essay or dissertation and it will help you to keep focused.

The structure of  extended essays or dissertations will vary depending on the question and discipline, but may include some or all of the following:

• The background information to - and context for - your research. This often takes the form of a literature review.
• Explanation of the focus of your work.
• Explanation of the value of this work to scholarship on the topic.
• List of the aims and objectives of the work and also the issues which will not be covered because they are outside its scope.

The main body of your extended essay or dissertation will probably include your methodology, the results of research, and your argument(s) based on your findings.

The conclusion is to summarise the value your research has added to the topic, and any further lines of research you would undertake given more time or resources. 

Tips on writing longer pieces of work

Approaching each chapter of a dissertation as a shorter essay can make the task of writing a dissertation seem less overwhelming. Each chapter will have an introduction, a main body where the argument is developed and substantiated with evidence, and a conclusion to tie things together. Unlike in a regular essay, chapter conclusions may also introduce the chapter that will follow, indicating how the chapters are connected to one another and how the argument will develop through your dissertation.

For further guidance, watch this two-minute video on writing longer pieces of work . 

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Plan your writing

Interpret your assignment.

Planning how you approach your writing will make sure that you understand the task, can manage your time, and present a researched, structured and focused assignment.

Before you start writing, you need to understand what type of writing you are required to produce. For example, you might be asked to produce a report, an essay, an annotated bibliography or a literature review. This will shape how you will prepare, research and write your assignment. Take time to understand the conventions of each type of assignment and what is expected of you.

Understand instructional words

Instructional verbs in the assignment task will indicate how to plan your approach. Choose the instructional words that you have been given below to reveal what they mean.

Instructional verbs

Examine an issue in close detail and break it into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part, consider the evidence, and show you understand the relationship between them.

Decide on the importance or usefulness of something and give reasons and evidence for your decision.

Identify similarities and differences between two or more things, problems or arguments. Draw a conclusion about which (if either) you think is preferable or more convincing.

Outline the meaning of a word, concept or theory as it is used in your discipline. In some cases it may be necessary or desirable to examine different possible, or often used, definitions.

Present factual information about something, using appropriate evidence to support your description.

Examine the arguments and the evidence to support them. Consider different sides of the issue and weigh up the implications of each argument.

Make an appraisal of the worth of something, an argument or a set of beliefs, in the light of its validity or value. This does involve making your own judgements, but they must be supported by an evidenced argument and justification.

Explain or clarify something using evidence, diagrams, figures, or case studies.

Provide adequate reasons for a decision or a conclusion by supporting it with sufficient evidence and argument; answer the main objections that are likely to be made to it.

Summarise the main features or the general principles of a subject, topic or theory.

Provide a thorough examination of a topic. You may be asked to draw your own conclusions.

To what extent

Explore and present the argument(s) for a particular topic and state the degree to which you agree with them.

Accordion 1

Sample accordion 1

Adapted from: Greetham, B. 2018. How to write better essays . 4th ed. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Scope and focus

Look at the assignment task to identify whether there is a specific aspect of the topic that you are being asked to focus on. For example:

• Is the topic or question limited to a certain time period, region, or group of people?
• Are you being asked to consider a particular angle (for example, political, social, economic aspects of the topic)?

If the assignment task does not include information about the scope or limitations of the topic, you should choose these yourself. Think about what key issues have been covered in your module and whether you could use any of these to produce a focused answer to the question.

If something in the assignment brief is unclear, check with your module leader as soon as possible before starting to plan your answer.

Watch this short video on how to plan and get started with your assignment.

Define your purpose and reader

The next step before writing is to clearly define the purpose of the writing and the audience.

Most formal academic writing at university is set by, and written for, an academic tutor or assessor. There should be clear criteria against which they will mark your work. Your tutor may ask you to write for different audiences such as a lay audience or your peers, so make sure you know who your intended audience is before you start writing.

Once you have a clear idea of what is required for your assignment, you can start to plan what you are going to write.

5 tips on writing better university assignments

Lecturer in Student Learning and Communication Development, University of Sydney

Disclosure statement

Alexandra Garcia does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Sydney provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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University life comes with its share of challenges. One of these is writing longer assignments that require higher information, communication and critical thinking skills than what you might have been used to in high school. Here are five tips to help you get ahead.

1. Use all available sources of information

Beyond instructions and deadlines, lecturers make available an increasing number of resources. But students often overlook these.

For example, to understand how your assignment will be graded, you can examine the rubric . This is a chart indicating what you need to do to obtain a high distinction, a credit or a pass, as well as the course objectives – also known as “learning outcomes”.

Other resources include lecture recordings, reading lists, sample assignments and discussion boards. All this information is usually put together in an online platform called a learning management system (LMS). Examples include Blackboard , Moodle , Canvas and iLearn . Research shows students who use their LMS more frequently tend to obtain higher final grades.

If after scrolling through your LMS you still have questions about your assignment, you can check your lecturer’s consultation hours.

2. Take referencing seriously

Plagiarism – using somebody else’s words or ideas without attribution – is a serious offence at university. It is a form of cheating.

In many cases, though, students are unaware they have cheated. They are simply not familiar with referencing styles – such as APA , Harvard , Vancouver , Chicago , etc – or lack the skills to put the information from their sources into their own words.

To avoid making this mistake, you may approach your university’s library, which is likely to offer face-to-face workshops or online resources on referencing. Academic support units may also help with paraphrasing.

You can also use referencing management software, such as EndNote or Mendeley . You can then store your sources, retrieve citations and create reference lists with only a few clicks. For undergraduate students, Zotero has been recommended as it seems to be more user-friendly.

Using this kind of software will certainly save you time searching for and formatting references. However, you still need to become familiar with the citation style in your discipline and revise the formatting accordingly.

3. Plan before you write

If you were to build a house, you wouldn’t start by laying bricks at random. You’d start with a blueprint. Likewise, writing an academic paper requires careful planning: you need to decide the number of sections, their organisation, and the information and sources you will include in each.

Research shows students who prepare detailed outlines produce higher-quality texts. Planning will not only help you get better grades, but will also reduce the time you spend staring blankly at the screen thinking about what to write next.

During the planning stage, using programs like OneNote from Microsoft Office or Outline for Mac can make the task easier as they allow you to organise information in tabs. These bits of information can be easily rearranged for later drafting. Navigating through the tabs is also easier than scrolling through a long Word file.

4. Choose the right words

Which of these sentences is more appropriate for an assignment?

a. “This paper talks about why the planet is getting hotter”, or b. “This paper examines the causes of climate change”.

The written language used at university is more formal and technical than the language you normally use in social media or while chatting with your friends. Academic words tend to be longer and their meaning is also more precise. “Climate change” implies more than just the planet “getting hotter”.

To find the right words, you can use SkELL , which shows you the words that appear more frequently, with your search entry categorised grammatically. For example, if you enter “paper”, it will tell you it is often the subject of verbs such as “present”, “describe”, “examine” and “discuss”.

Another option is the Writefull app, which does a similar job without having to use an online browser.

5. Edit and proofread

If you’re typing the last paragraph of the assignment ten minutes before the deadline, you will be missing a very important step in the writing process: editing and proofreading your text. A 2018 study found a group of university students did significantly better in a test after incorporating the process of planning, drafting and editing in their writing.

You probably already know to check the spelling of a word if it appears underlined in red. You may even use a grammar checker such as Grammarly . However, no software to date can detect every error and it is not uncommon to be given inaccurate suggestions.

So, in addition to your choice of proofreader, you need to improve and expand your grammar knowledge. Check with the academic support services at your university if they offer any relevant courses.

Written communication is a skill that requires effort and dedication. That’s why universities are investing in support services – face-to-face workshops, individual consultations, and online courses – to help students in this process. You can also take advantage of a wide range of web-based resources such as spell checkers, vocabulary tools and referencing software – many of them free.

Improving your written communication will help you succeed at university and beyond.

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How to Write Assignment in UK, A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Examining assignment requirements.

Before beginning an assignment, it’s essential that you fully comprehend its requirements outlined by its prompt. This section will guide you through decoding and understanding how to write assignment in uk.

Undergoing Thorough Research

Research is at the core of any successful assignment. In this section, you’ll discover tips and techniques for conducting in-depth research in the UK utilizing academic databases, libraries and credible online sources.

Arranging an Assignment

Introduction and setting the scene.

An introduction is your opportunity to captivate readers and provide them with a comprehensive view of your assignment. This section can provide guidance on how best to present your topic, develop your thesis statement and outline main points.

Arguing Your Point

The body of your assignment should provide evidence and develop arguments, providing strategies for organizing ideas, gathering evidence and structuring paragraphs in an organized fashion to provide a logical flow of information.

Summary of Findings (Conclusion)

Conclusion is your opportunity to close out an assignment and leave an impressionful message behind. Here you’ll discover ways to effectively summarise findings, restate thesis, and craft a thought-provoking closing statement.

Honing Your Writing Style

Clarity and coherence.

This section will focus on honing the clarity and coherence of your writing. You’ll learn techniques for using clear language without unnecessary jargon and creating smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

Grammar and Punctuation

Effective grammar and punctuation are crucial components of effective communication, so here we’ll review common errors as well as tips for proofreading and editing assignments .

Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism

Analyzing referencing styles.

Academic life in the UK often necessitates strict adherence to specific referencing styles. This section will introduce popular examples such as Harvard, APA or MLA referencing formats and provide advice on how to accurately and consistently cite sources.

Plagiarism in academia is an offense to be taken seriously, so in this section we’ll address what constitutes plagiarism, how to avoid it and the importance of properly crediting sources via in-text citations and reference lists.

Reviewing and Polishing Your Assignment

The importance of proofreading.

Proofreading your assignment is a critical component to creating flawless work. In this section we offer helpful guidelines and strategies for reviewing and revising work to detect grammar and spelling mistakes while improving readability overall.

Seeking Feedback and Revamps

Soliciting feedback from peers, tutors or writing centers can greatly increase the quality of your assignment. Here we’ll explore its benefits as well as ways you can implement constructive criticism in your assignment.

Final Thoughts on How to Write Assignment in UK

We will review the key points discussed throughout the blog and offer final thoughts and encouragement for how to write assignment in UK.

Keep this guide handy to tackle assignments confidently and experience academic success – best wishes with your writing!

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How to write an assignment for university in the uk: a step-by-step guide.

Writing assignments for university in the UK can be a challenging task, especially if you’re new to the academic expectations and requirements. Whether you’re a first-year student or looking to improve your assignment-writing skills, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process. From understanding the assignment prompt to submitting a well-structured paper, we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Prompt

The first and most crucial step is to thoroughly understand the assignment prompt. Carefully read the instructions provided by your professor. Pay attention to the assignment type, word count, formatting guidelines, and the deadline. If there are any terms or concepts you don’t understand, seek clarification from your instructor.

Step 2: Research and Gather Information

Once you have a clear understanding of the assignment, it’s time to gather information. Begin your research by consulting academic books, journals, and reputable websites related to your topic. Take detailed notes and keep track of your sources for proper citation.

Step 3: Create an Outline

Before you start writing, create an outline for your assignment. This will serve as a roadmap for your paper. Organize your ideas logically and decide on the main points you want to cover in each section. An outline will help you maintain a structured and coherent flow in your assignment.

Step 4: Start Writing the Introduction

Begin your assignment with a compelling introduction. Provide some background information on the topic, state the purpose of your paper, and outline the main arguments or points you will discuss. Your introduction should engage the reader and provide a clear overview of what to expect.

Step 5: Develop the Body of the Assignment

The body of your assignment is where you present your arguments, evidence, and analysis. Each paragraph should focus on a single point or idea and provide supporting evidence or examples. Use clear and concise language, and ensure that your arguments are well-structured and logically presented.

Step 6: Cite Your Sources

Proper citation is essential in academic writing. Make sure to cite all the sources you used in your assignment using the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard). This includes both in-text citations and a bibliography or reference list at the end of your paper.

Step 7: Write the Conclusion

Summarize your main points and arguments in the conclusion. Restate your thesis or main objective and provide a brief recap of your findings. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

Step 8: Proofread and Edit

Take the time to proofread and edit your assignment. Check for grammar and spelling errors, clarity of expression, and overall coherence. It’s also a good idea to read your paper aloud to catch any awkward or unclear sentences.

Step 9: Seek Feedback

Consider asking a peer or a professor to review your assignment and provide feedback. Fresh eyes can often spot errors or areas for improvement that you may have missed.

Step 10: Academicexpert.Uk – Your Assignment Writing Partner

If you find yourself struggling with any aspect of your assignment, or if you have a tight deadline to meet, consider seeking assistance from a reputable assignment writing service like Academicexpert.Uk . These services have a team of experienced writers who can help you with research, writing, and editing. They can also provide guidance on structuring your assignment effectively.

By following these ten steps and utilizing the support of Academicexpert.Uk when needed, you can navigate the assignment-writing process with confidence and submit well-crafted papers that meet the academic standards of UK universities.

Additional Resources:

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• University assignment help
• Best college assignment writing help
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Writing assignments for university in the UK may seem daunting, but with careful planning, research, and the right support, you can excel in your academic endeavors.

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Many of the students find it difficult to complete their assignment so they look for Assignments Help UK . it can be due to the difficulty of the subject, or it can be due to limited time. In this case, students can easily get their assignments completed on time with the help of the assignment help. Many professional writers can help you with your assignments. Assignment helpers could help you to get the right expertise available to you.

What Is An Assignment? 

Assignments are academic Assignments or works. It allows students to learn, exercise, and demonstrate their learning objectives. Additionally, it provides the teacher with proof that the students have met their objectives.

This is the process of giving a certain job or piece of work to someone or directing someone to a specific location to perform a job, assigning different tasks to them. There are several types of assignments, such as;

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Here are some features included are –

• High-quality services

You get high-quality and professional services for your assignments. If you hire an expert, you can rest assured that your requirements will be met and your paper will be well-referenced. Because they are experts, they have a thorough understanding of all formats and referencing styles. In addition, all content is unique, and you will receive a plagiarism report along with it. In this way, you are assured that your assignment is well-managed and adheres to the university’s requirements.

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They have numerous assignment helpers in the UK who can assist you with assignment writing on a wide range of subjects. The academic writers in their team are highly qualified and well-experienced, so they will draft top-scoring assignment papers effortlessly.

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Their support team is available around the clock. You can always rely on them at any time, whether it is the middle of the night or any hour of the day. Even if the deadline at hand is just a few hours, their experts can manage any type of assignment. Whatever the deadline, their experts make sure that you get the best work by ensuring the best quality.

• Plagiarism Free Content

Their assignment writers will create and send accurate and plagiarism-free papers for all subjects. Additionally, they will check whether the prepared assignment papers contain any traces of plagiarism by using the Turnitin plagiarism detection tool.

How To Write Assignments In The UK?

• Select And Understand The Topic

If you have the option of selecting the topic for your assignment, select a topic that interests you, which will help your assignment be interesting and informative.

You should begin researching the topic your professor has assigned you.

• Conduct Extensive Research

A well-researched and impressive assignment goes hand in hand. Students, however, cannot develop their research skills while writing assignments, so they look for tips online on how to write a good assignment. With the help of their experts, they can collect reliable and authentic information from credible sources.

• Draft An Outline

Preparing an outline for your assignment will prevent you from missing any requirements. This will help you come up with a rough outline of the material you will discuss in your paper. By having a layout, you will be able to break down your arguments clearly and concisely. Therefore, if you are wondering how to begin a writing assignment, start by developing a structure.

• Begin To Write

Once you have your outline ready, you can begin writing the assignment. An introduction, body, and conclusion are usually included in every paper. As a result, you should adhere to this basic format when writing your document and plan your arguments accordingly.

• Add Accurate Citations

Citations are one of the most important parts of a good assignment. Since there are so many citation styles, not every student knows all the guidelines and therefore fails to cite sources correctly. You might face plagiarism issues as a result of incorrect referencing, which could lead to questions regarding the authenticity of your document. During this time, most students ask “How do I make a good assignment?” and contact us for assistance.

• Edit And Proofread

If you don’t edit and proofread your assignment before you turn it in, you could achieve epic failure. You must edit and proofread your paper after deciding on delivering a good assignment to make sure you’ve corrected all spelling, grammatical, and typographical errors, and that you have adhered to the word count.

Final Verdict –

You can easily find the right assignment help by finding an experienced professional to help you. With the help of a professional, you will be able to get the right solutions for your assignment.

Read more – How To Write A Dissertation Proposal? A Complete Guide Of Dissertation Proposal

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Experts are worried students use AI to write papers. And millions are, new data shows

The plagiarism detection service turnitin showed that students used ai to write a millions of papers over the last year.

Millions of students are using generative artificial intelligence to write papers as the popularity of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT proliferates.

A report this week from Turnitin, an online plagiarism spotting service for educators that recently launched an AI detection tool, said that over 22 million student papers (11% of the sample reviewed by the company) used AI to generate at least 20% of the writing since April 2023. Turnitin reviewed over 200 million papers across the globe, mostly from higher education institutions.

“We’re at an important juncture in education where technologies are transforming learning, and the need for academic integrity is more critical than ever. Everyone in education is looking for resources to enable them to perform at their best, and technologies, including our AI writing detection feature, help advance learning without sacrificing academic integrity.” — Annie Chechitelli, chief product officer of Turnitin

Educators and lawmakers alike are scrambling to address how AI is used in education amid concerns of cheating and plagiarism . So far, five U.S. states — West Virginia, Oregon, North Carolina, California, and Washington — have instituted policies governing the use of AI in schools. Individual colleges and universities are coming up with their own policies. But things are mostly still up in the air, and even state guidelines show the lack of clarity.

“...it is perhaps shortsighted to automatically consider all use of AI as ‘cheating’. Educators will need to rethink their ideas of what constitutes plagiarism and cheating in today’s world, and adapt their teaching, assignments, and expectations to this new reality.” — North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Concerns over AI helping students cheat are overblown, though, according to recent research from Stanford . The percentage of high school students who cheated on assignments actually dipped in 2023 as ChatGPT began taking off, researchers found.

“There are so many reasons why students cheat. They might be struggling with the material and unable to get the help they need…We need to help students and educators find ways to discuss the ethics of using this technology and when it is and isn’t useful for student learning.” — Denise Pope, senior lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Education

By the numbers

60-70%: Share of U.S. students who engage in at least one “cheating behavior” during the course of a month, a figure that’s been high “long before ChatGPT hit the scene,” Pope said.

220 million: Number of papers reviewed by Turnitin.

11%: Share of student papers found to have at least 20% AI-generated writing, or about 22 million.

3%: Share of student papers found to have at least 80% AI-generated writing, or about 6 million.

5: Number of states with AI guidelines for their public schools.

75%: Percentage of respondents in a recent survey conducted by the investment bank Tyton Partners who said they’d keep using AI to complete assignments even if their institutions or teachers banned it.

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International Edition

Rick Pitino endorses Mark Pope's hire as Kentucky men's basketball coach

Former Kentucky men's basketball coach Rick Pitino gave a glowing endorsement of new coach Mark Pope .

Pitino posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, to recognize Pope , who was the captain of Pitino's 1996 "Untouchables" championship team.

“What a special day at the University of Kentucky. The leader, the captain of 'The Untouchables,' is coming home to lead the Wildcats,” Pitino said in the video about the former BYU head coach.

Pitino, who won his first NCAA title in 1996 with "The Untouchables," said hiring Pope was "an unbelievable choice" and that "nobody epitomizes Kentucky like Mark Pope."

Pitino confidently declared, "Mark Pope will go on to greatness; you can put it down."

Pitino endorsed Pope's offensive strategy, saying "nobody does it better" with 3-point shooting and moving off the ball. Pitino also said Pope's wins against Kansas and Baylor as well as making the 2024 NCAA Tournament in BYU's first season in the Big 12 bode well for the future. Most of all, Pitino believes Pope will be a successful recruiter and will be able to manage the NIL landscape.

“What some of you don’t realize is how good a basketball mind he has, how much a relentless recruiter he will be,” Pitino said. “Now, recruiting is different today. We’re now coaching all pros. The NIL has taken away amateur basketball and has made them professional athletes. I’m sure Kentucky is going to have strong NIL.”

In an interview with ESPN Lexington, Pitino offered to write Pope a check if he needs NIL help.

“I can assure you, if they need the NIL money, I’ll write the check,” Pitino said.

Reach sports reporter Brooks Warren at [email protected] and follow him on X at @Broookksss.

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Post office operator wrongly jailed while pregnant rejects executive’s apology

Managing director David Smith emailed team in 2010 to say Seema Misra’s conviction was ‘brilliant news’

A post office operator who was wrongly prosecuted while pregnant has rejected a Post Office executive’s apology for having sent an email celebrating her conviction as “brilliant news”.

The inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal heard that David Smith, who was managing director of the Post Office for seven months during 2010, sent the email to his team after learning that Seema Misra had been convicted .

She was later sentenced to 15 months in prison for theft and locked up on her son’s 10th birthday while eight weeks pregnant. She was put on suicide watch after collapsing in court . Her case was among those overturned by the court of appeal in 2021.

The inquiry is looking into the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of post office operators who were hounded for more than a decade because of shortfalls in their branch accounts that were due to bugs in the Post Office’s Horizon IT system.

It was told on Thursday that Smith had sent the email on 21 October 2010. It read: “Brilliant news. Well done. Please pass on my thanks to the team.”

He said the message was “intended to be a congratulatory email to the team, knowing that they had worked hard on the case” and because he thought it was “brilliant” that the Horizon IT system was seen to be robust in the prosecution of Misra, which was regarded as a “test case”.

Smith told the hearing that his email wording was “really poorly thought through and I do apologise” to Misra, as the email had caused her and her family “substantial upset”.

In his witness statement he added: “Even if this had been a correct conviction, I would absolutely never think that it was ‘brilliant news’ for a pregnant woman to go to prison.”

Misra rejected Smith’s apology, telling Sky News: “They are apologising now but they missed so many chances before. We had my conviction overturned, nobody came at that time to apologise.”

Smith told the hearing that at the time he sent the email he and the board were focused on the upcoming separation of Royal Mail and the Post Office ahead of Royal Mail’s flotation in 2013 as well as “new policies coming in from government and we needed to refinance the business”. He acknowledged that senior executives were not “as focused as we could and should have been on the Horizon issues”.

Smith said the Post Office had sought an independent inquiry into Horizon from Fujitsu, which developed the accounting system, after the new version had problems with accounts freezing, which he said affected post office operators’ ability to trade. However, he said he had felt more reassured after holding a call with Fujitsu executives.

He said that when concerns were brought to light around the Horizon IT System he requested a review, which was carried out by another colleague, Rod Ismay, “which was unequivocal in its answer” that Horizon was “robust”.

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“We were never provided with any suggestion that the Horizon IT System could be tampered with and always reassured of the opposite,” he said in his witness statement. “Had we known that this was not true, we would have approached things differently.”

Flora Page, a barrister representing a number of post office operators, put it to Smith that “you deliberately had your team produce a report for you to cover up the fact you knew and everyone in your senior leadership team knew that Horizon’s integrity was very much in doubt.” He replied: “No, absolutely not.”

More than 900 post office operators were convicted using evidence from the Horizon computer system, including 700 convictions secured by the Post Office between 1999 and 2015; 103 convictions have been overturned so far.

The UK government has introduced legislation that will exonerate post office operators who were prosecuted between September 1996 and December 2018. The new law is expected to come into force by late July.

The public inquiry continues.

• Post Office Horizon scandal
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More on this story

Ex-Post Office boss wrote of ‘subbies with hand in the till’, inquiry hears

Ex-MP tells inquiry Post Office ran a ‘behind-the-scenes deception process’

Alan Bates tells Post Office inquiry ministers tried to sabotage his claim

Adam Crozier and Alan Bates to give evidence at Post Office Horizon inquiry

Post Office had flawed court defence, leaked internal report shows

Ministers introduce bill to quash convictions of Horizon scandal victims

What is the Post Office Horizon bill and why is it controversial?

Ministers to quash convictions of hundreds of post office operators

Post Office ‘unfit’ to run compensation scheme for Horizon victims, MPs say

Many victims of Post Office scandal risk missing out on payouts, MPs warn

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