If you are attempting the university assignment for the first time, you know that it is not the same as secondary school assignments. Nuanced formatting, high word count, tight submission deadline. You are likely to hate everything about it.
Whether it’s a first-year, getting halfway through the degree, or just about to graduate, high-quality work is demanded, and this can seem quite impossible to achieve at times. But if you know the right strategies and how to apply them, you can tackle even the most challenging university assignment writing. The load of work will become easier to shoulder. You will enjoy the experience better. Here are five of the best tips for you to get going:
- Understand the Assignment Brief
Before you start to write, take the time to understand what is expected of you. Sounds obvious, but this critical step often gets missed, so do it this way:
Read Carefully
Read the assignment brief multiple times. Then, highlight all the keywords, and note down requirements like word count, formatting style such as APA or MLA, and submission deadlines.
Identify Key Questions
Identify key questions your assignment should answer. If the instructions for the assignment require you to analyze, make sure that your paper includes critical analysis and not a simple summary.
Clear Your Doubts
If you do not understand anything, don’t be afraid to ask your instructor or teaching assistant. It is always better to ask now than to make something that will end up costing you marks later on.
- Develop Your Research Plan
Once you are clear about what your assignment must entail, it is time to gather information. Any good university assignment relies on effective research.
Develop a Research Strategy
Write out what you need to cover, along with possible sources. You can usually find more reliable articles and papers using academic databases such as JSTOR or Google Scholar.
Organize Your Notes
Organize your notes as you research. You might use Evernote or Notion to tag information so you can search for it later easily. Also, be sure to take note of the citation for every source; this will save you a huge amount of time when you add your bibliography to the paper.
Evaluate Your Sources
Not all sources are created equal. Be sure the materials you use are credible, relevant, and current. Peer-reviewed journals and books from good publishers should be among your first priorities.
- Develop an Outline
An outline is like a signboard for your assignment. It helps organize your thoughts in a logical way. Here’s how to do one:
Begin with a Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement needs to be direct and clearly state what is the main point of your assignment. This will help you stay in line while writing and also maintain your course.
Organize Your Major Points
Break down your argument into major points or sections that support your case for your argument. These should then be extended to paragraphs in your work.
Add Evidence to Support Your Point
For each of the main points, take down supporting evidence or examples you have found in your research. This will ensure that your argument is well-supported throughout the paper.
- Write Clearly and Concisely
Remember that your paper should be easy for your evaluator to read. If they enjoy the experience, you are sure to get the best grades you dream of. So, writing clearly and concisely is second to none. Consider the following tips to ensure that your writing is effective:
Use Simple Language
While academic writing often demands a formal tone, that doesn’t mean you need to write incomprehensibly. Clarity and simplicity are key: you want to be able to share your ideas clearly
Be Concise
Just because you’re writing in something that’s not a language intended for speaking, don’t use super long sentences or stuff in unnecessary jargon. The purpose of every sentence should be to make your argument more convincing. If it doesn’t contribute directly to your thesis statement, then get rid of it.
Add variety to your sentence structures
Vary the structures of your sentences to make your writing interesting. It will keep a good rhythm for the reader: a mix of short sentences and longer ones.
- Editing and revising
Don’t expect to get ready with a perfect copy on the very first attempt. Your first draft is hardly ever perfect. The magic happens in the editing. But if the thought of proofreading and editing seems like a headache, approach it differently
Take a brief break
It is not necessary that you should complete the editing as soon as the writing is over. If you have enough time and can, step away from your first draft for a day or two. It will let you come back with a fresh view.
Read Aloud
You will know whether your writing is awkwardly phrased or unclear in arguments when you hear it spoken aloud. So, read it aloud. If you feel that it’s awkwardly phrased when spoken, it’s probably is and you better rework it.
Get Feedback
Don’t be afraid to seek criticism from your classmates or professors about your assignment. Constructive criticism is always helpful and should be welcomed. It can provide many valuable insights that would help make your work quality better.
Proofread Carefully
Finally, proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A perfect final assignment is the result of flawlessness in all these aspects. Even a minute spelling mistake can affect the overall experience or appeal of a great academic work. You can check using tools like Grammarly, but never be too reliant on it—the human way of proofreading still counts.
The Bottom Line
There is no need to pressure yourself while writing an assignment for university. On the other hand, if you follow the right tips like understanding the assignment brief, then doing some planning for your research, outlining, writing clearly yet concisely, and doing the very serious editing, you can gradually make a powerful assignment. And it will not just impress your teachers but be a powerful guide to your learning.
