Preparing assignments | Help Centre | The Open University Skip to content Sign in| Sign out| TutorHome | IntranetHome | Contact the OUContact the OUContact the OU| AccessibilityAccessibility Search the OU StudentHome Profile Study Library Careers Community Help Centre Scan to view online Help Centre Help Centre Contact us Home Assessments and exams Assignments Preparing assignments Assignments Preparing assignments Preparing assignments, current page Understanding the question Content word activity Process word activity Gathering your materials Drafting your answer Editing and checking Proof reading activity Sending it in Learning from feedback Don't be daunted by the prospect of your assignment. There is no single correct way of planning how to write your assignment. However there are some common principles and if you work your way through the stages described below you'll be on the right track. This year I was so busy at work, I just had time to do enough to pass the module. Try to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to read the assignment booklet and make sure that you understand the question. It might take longer than you expect to finish your first assignment but, like all study skills, it’ll get easier with practice. Start by think about how much effort you are able to put into writing your assignment. Not all students want to 'ace' every assignment, sometimes just doing enough is fine. So, first, decide what you want to achieve and what is realistic for you to achieve. Organise a rough schedule for your work over the whole module and book time out for completing assignments. Identify potential contingency plans, find the assignments you could drop or do quickly if you had to. If you have a tutor, discuss together what you're hoping to achieve and what you want out of the module. Read the module assessment guide to find out: What elements are involved in assessments: for example assignments, interactive computer-marked-assignments, an exam or end-of-module assessment (EMA), or a speaking assignment. What flexibility exists - for example, some modules apply substitution or offer a choice of questions. You should read the assessment strategy text for your module carefully (available from the module section of StudentHome) as it tells you what you need to do to pass your module. On most modules, you can estimate your module results by using the assessment calculator at any stage prior to the release of module results. If you have any queries, contact your Student Support Team or email Assessment Processing. Talk to others If you have a tutor or study adviser, discuss with them any concerns about the assignment. Many modules have online forums relating to assignments and discussion around relevant subjects is common. So have a look at these before you tackle an assignment but do be wary of discussing your intended approach in too much detail. Further information on preparing assignments There are a range of study skills booklets available to students. If you're not already signed in, sign in to see them all including Preparing assignments which gives you further information on this subject. Next Understanding the question Go to next page, Understanding the question Last updated 7 months ago Help Centre • About • Contact us The Open University OU Community OpenLearn: free learning OU on TV and radio OU Students Community OU Students Association OU Students Shop (including exam papers) OU Students Forums OU Students on Facebook OU Students on Twitter OU Students Freshers Support Find your personal contacts including your tutor and student support team: Contact the OU Help with the University’s computing systems: Computing Guide Computing Helpdesk System Status Help with accessing the online library, referencing and using libraries near you: Library help and support Study Careers Help Centre Library Study planning and funding Policy Accessibility Conditions of use Copyright Cymraeg Privacy policy Cookie policy Manage cookie preferences Student Policies and Regulations Student Charter ©.. .
