Got an assignment deadline creeping up? Feeling stressed? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a simple guide on how to tackle your assignment effectively.

Create the Right Environment

Before you start, think about where you'll do your work. Should you head to the library, stay at home, or find a quiet café? Consider the advantages of each place, do you have easy access to resources, and will there be distractions? How long do you plan to work in that spot?

It’s also important to know what study environment helps you focus best. Do you need a clean space to work? Do you like background noise, music, or total silence? Are snacks and breaks part of your routine? Do you work best when you set specific time limits for tasks?

Understanding the Question

This might seem obvious, but many students lose marks by not fully answering the question or missing key points. It’s important to understand exactly what the question is asking to avoid this mistake.

Certain words in assignment questions have specific meanings. Exam questions are designed to test your understanding and knowledge, so pay attention to the words used. For example:

• Justify: Provide evidence to support your argument or decision. Explain why you’ve made a conclusion, and don’t ignore other viewpoints.

• Analyse: Break down the main points in detail, exploring all aspects of the topic.

• Discuss: Consider both sides of an issue, give arguments for and against, and use evidence to support your views.

• Distinguish: Point out the differences between two things clearly.

To fully grasp the question, break it down into its parts. Each question usually has four key elements: an instruction, a topic, a focus, and a restriction (like a specific time or scope). Make sure you address all of these when you write your answer.

Planning Your Assignment

It’s essential to plan your assignment properly. A well-structured assignment is just as important as the content itself. If your research is poorly organized, it can cost you valuable marks.

Planning is the key. Before diving into the writing, figure out what you want to say and how you’ll say it. With so much information at our fingertips, it can be overwhelming to choose the right sources and absorb the facts you need. This is where a solid plan comes in.

Start with an outline. You can write down headings and subheadings with your ideas and findings underneath. These headings might be questions or key phrases from the assignment question.

Another approach is using mind maps or spider diagrams. Write the main topic or question in the center, then draw lines to connect ideas and key points for your assignment.

Top Tips:

• Break your task into manageable chunks.

• Keep track of word count limits, layout styles, font sizes, margins, and other formatting rules.

• For the introduction, aim to use about 10% of your total word count, and for the conclusion, use about 5-10%.

Research and Analysis for Your Assignment

Now that you understand the assignment question and have a plan in place, it’s time to start gathering information. Finding the right sources—whether from the internet, library, or fieldwork—can feel overwhelming. Not only do you need to collect the relevant information, but you also have to keep track of your references properly.

Staying organized with your references is crucial. A helpful tip is to keep a simple notebook for jotting down notes. Use a separate page for each day or assign a title that matches your assignment to keep things in order. This is especially useful if you’re working on multiple assignments at once. If you prefer digital tools, you can take notes on your tablet or laptop, but sometimes, a mind map and pen and paper can help you think more clearly.

So, how can you gather information effectively and remember it? Try the SQ3R method. This is a proven technique for reading and note-taking. Let’s break it down:

• Survey: Skim through the material you are studying (article, book, webpage, etc.) to identify key sections that are most relevant to your assignment.

• Question: Write down any questions you have about the topic, or think of questions that come up while reviewing the material.

• Read: Take your time to read thoroughly and make notes, especially if the material is complex.

• Recall: Close the material and try to remember the information you read, then write down your notes based on your memory.

• Review: Go over your notes and review the material. If possible, discuss the topic with someone else to make sure you understand it fully. Regular review sessions will also help lock the information in your mind.

Academic Writing Standards

When you return to academics after a break or step up from IGCSEs or A Levels, it's essential to understand the specific writing standards expected in assignments.

Writing Style: First Person vs. Third Person

In academic writing, the third person is most often used because it keeps the tone formal and objective. However, there are times when using the first person is appropriate, especially when providing personal examples or reflections. For example, in courses like counseling, first-person writing might be necessary. However, always stay focused on facts and keep your writing clear and concise—avoid unnecessary storytelling.

Avoiding Contractions

In academic assignments, always use full words instead of contractions. For example, write “did not” instead of “didn’t.” This helps maintain a more formal and professional tone throughout your work.

Keep It Formal: No Colloquial Phrases

Since academic writing is formal, avoid casual expressions or phrases that are common in daily conversations or blog posts. Words like “you know,” “sort of,” or “like” should not be used. Stick to clear, direct language to convey your points effectively.