Steps for writing assignments - my.UQ - University of Queensland Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer UQ Home Contacts Study Maps News Events Library Give now my.UQ The University of Queensland my.UQ Site search Search Site search Search Menu Home Starting at UQ Programs and Courses Graduation Contact Steps for writing assignments Home Information and services Student support Study skills Assignment writing Follow this step-by-step guide to assignment writing to help you to manage your time and produce a better assignment. This is a general guide. It's primarily for research essays, but can be used for all assignments. The specific requirements for your course may be different. Make sure you read through any assignment requirements carefully and ask your lecturer or tutor if you're unsure how to meet them. Analysing the topic Researching and note-taking Planning your assignment Writing your assignment Editing your assignment 1. Analysing the topic Before you start researching or writing, take some time to analyse the assignment topic to make sure you know what you need to do. Understand what you need to do Read through the topic a few times to make sure you understand it. Think about the: learning objectives listed in the course profile – understand what you should be able to do after completing the course and its assessment tasks criteria you'll be marked on – find out what you need to do to achieve the grade you want questions you need to answer – try to explain the topic in your own words. Identify keywords Identify keywords in the topic that will help guide your research, including any: task words – what you have to do (usually verbs) topic words – ideas, concepts or issues you need to discuss (often nouns) limiting words – restrict the focus of the topic (e.g. to a place, population or time period). If you're writing your own topic, include task words, topic words and limiting words to help you to focus on exactly what you have to do. Example Example keyword identification - text version Topic: Evaluate the usefulness of a task analysis approach to assignment writing, especially with regard to the writing skill development of second language learners in the early stages of university study in the Australian university context. Task words: Evaluate Topic words: task analysis approach, assignment writing, writing skill development Limiting words: second language learners (population), early stages of university (time period), Australian university (place) Brainstorm your ideas Brainstorm information about the topic that you: already know will need to research to write the assignment. When you brainstorm: use 'Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?' questions to get you thinking write down all your ideas – don't censor yourself or worry about the order try making a concept map to capture your ideas – start with the topic in the centre and record your ideas branching out from it. Researching and note-taking Next Assignment types Steps for writing assignments How to write a literature review Learning Advisers Our advisers can help undergraduate and postgraduate students in all programs clarify ideas from workshops, help you develop skills and give feedback on assignments. Book an appointment How a Learning Adviser can help Further support WorkshopsFind a proofreader © The University of Queensland Enquiries: +61 7 3365 1111 | Contact directory ABN: 63 942 912 684 | CRICOS Provider No: 00025B Emergency Phone: 3365 3333 Privacy & Terms of use | Feedback | Updated: 9 Sep 2021 Login
