Key steps
Understanding the aim
So far, we have learned that university assignments are academic documents, that must follow a code of ethical conduct. Now, we must look at the actual work involved.
When you receive an assignment brief, first read it carefully, keeping the following things in mind.
1. Who is the target?
Who is going to be reading your finished work? As university students, your assignment will probably be read by the teacher in charge of your class. Other potential readers may include members of your student group, or representatives of the company that you have applied to for internship or employment. You must consider what tone and wording would be most appropriate for your target readers.
2. What is the scope of the assignment?
What is the depth of research that the assignment requires? Considering the scope of your research will give you a general idea of how much time you will need to complete it.
3. What time and word limits are there?
- Deadline
No matter how perfect your completed assignment is, if you miss the deadline, you will face a significant markdown, and in the worst case scenario it will not be accepted. - Word count
The number of words you are expected to write will greatly influence the scale of your assignment. This is because the length will naturally determine the appropriate size of the issue to be raised. Assignments that significantly fall short of, or exceed, the required number of words will be marked down.
Are there any terms or concepts in the assignment brief that you find difficult to understand? If necessary, consult dictionaries or encyclopedias.
| Learn more about dictionaries and encyclopedias in the "Encyclopedias" section of the chapter on "Information: types and sources". |
