With due dates approaching, it’s tempting to rush through your final assignments and just get it all done. With our five helpful hints for writing and editing your assignments you can make a strong finish to your studies before summer vacation.
1. Identify the assignment type. Do you know the difference between an essay and a report, or what to include in an annotated bibliography? Different assignment formats have different requirements, which is why it’s important to check your task sheet to identify the correct assignment type before you begin planning or drafting.
2. Start with structure. While there are different assignment types, many use the same basic structure: introduction, body and conclusion. By planning how you’ll structure your assignment and revisiting this structure as you write, you can keep your writing focused and organised. You can also refer to your task sheet and target the marking criteria or learning outcomes.
3. Adopt an academic writing style. Academic writing should be formal in tone, structure and style. It also usually includes the use of references. Learn how to adopt an academic writing style for your assignments and your work will appear more professional and confident.
4. Edit and proofread your work. Both editing and proofreading are essential stages of the revision process. After each draft of your assignment—and especially before you submit it—reread your writing so that you can identify and correct any errors.
5. Learn from feedback. Feedback shows how well you did and where improvements can be made. You may have past feedback from previous assignments or discussions with tutors which you can apply to your current assignment. Asking a friend to read your assignment is also a good option if you’re looking to improve.
And finally, here’s our bonus tip: don’t leave your assignment until the last minute! Begin early so that you have enough time to plan, draft and revise. Still need help? Contact the Library.
