Getting started with writing assignments can feel overwhelming but breaking it down into smaller steps can make it more manageable. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Understand requirements: read assignment guidelines carefully. Highlight key instructions like topic, length, format, and deadline. Ensure understanding of expectations and criteria.
- Assignment types: while most academic writing follows a typical structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion, there are various assignment types. Refer to your assignment task sheet to determine the required writing format.
- Brainstorm ideas: take time to brainstorm potential topics. Jot down ideas to identify a focus.
- Research: gather relevant information based on your idea.
- Create outline: organise thoughts and research into an outline. It will guide your writing process.
- Revise and edit: review for clarity, coherence, grammar, punctuation and formatting.
- Proofread: thoroughly check for errors before submission. Reading aloud can help identify mistakes.
Referencing is how you acknowledge the information sources used in your work and demonstrates your understanding of the topic.
Accurate and consistent referencing is an important part of academic culture and shows that you are acting with academic integrity.
The Referencing guides provide information on the four steps to successful referencing, as well as information about how to construct a reference using the required four elements of who, when, what and where.
- Check your course profile in Learning@Griffith to see what referencing style you are required to use.
- From the referencing guide page, you can select the referencing style you need for your assignment.
- The guide will show examples of how to appropriately format quotes and paraphrased text in your assignments and how to format your reference list using that specific referencing style.
Learn more about how to use references in your academic writing to support your arguments.
If you need more support for your assignment and referencing, you can use the following services:
- The Library web pages have information to help you prepare and write your assignment and reference your sources.
- Griffith Mentors Study Support offers free drop-in sessions to help with your writing, referencing, researching, note-taking and general study skills.
- You can complete the Library help form if you need further assistance to improve your academic writing, reference and research needs.
