Steps for writing assignments
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.
4. Writing your assignment
Write your assignment using your assignment plan to keep you on track.
Follow your plan
Use your outline or concept map to guide you as you write.
It's common to have new ideas or think about your points from a new perspective while you're writing. When this happens, check back to your outline or concept map to see how the new ideas fit into your plan and link to ideas you've already discussed.
Plan each paragraph
For every paragraph, decide on the main idea that you want to communicate. This should be a point you want to make – not just a piece of information you found in your research.
Each paragraph should include:
- a topic sentence: start the paragraph by stating the point you want to make (the main idea)
- supporting sentences: support the point with referenced research and your commentary on it
- conclusive sentences: end the paragraph by linking back to the point made in the topic sentence and connecting this to your thesis statement.
In your supporting sentences, you should explain the ideas of authors you have read and comment on their usefulness, relevance, strengths and weaknesses.
Think about how you will discuss these ideas. For example, you could:
- list a number of ideas
- compare and contrast the views of different authors
- describe problems and solutions
- explain causes and effects.
Link your ideas
As you write, remember to include links between ideas (between sentences, paragraphs and sections). This will ensure that your writing flows and your overall argument makes sense.
Use linking words to make the connections between ideas clear. For example:
- list paragraphs should include words like: similarly, additionally, next, another example, as well, furthermore, another, firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally
- cause and effect paragraphs should include words like: consequently, as a result, therefore, outcomes included, results indicated
- compare and contrast paragraphs should include words like: on the other hand, by contrast, similarly, conversely, alternatively
- problem and solution paragraphs should include words like: outcomes included, identified problems included, other concerns were overcome by.
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.