How to Write an Assignment: a Complete Guide
There is one aspect of the studies that makes students weak at the knees: assignment writing. No matter how hard they try to master the concepts of academic writing, they keep coming across new obstacles with each assignment they face. Do you know what the key to success is? Learn the basic principles of writing an assignment. When you master them, you'll be able to handle any assignment challenge with less stress and more success.
In the continuation, you will find a complete guide to academic assignment writing. You can apply these tips to any kind of assignment you're dealing with, and you can rest assured that the results will be brilliant.
1. First and Foremost: Start Early!
Yes, your professors know how to surprise you with an urgent assignment when you have too much work for other courses. But, that happens rarely. Let's face it: you're getting the instructions for most projects early. Then, you decide there's plenty of time to do the work, so you waste your days until you realize it's too late.
Here is the first principle that will drive you to successful writing: always start on time! As soon as you get the instructions for a new project, open your Google Calendar and mark down the due date. Then, take a look at all responsibilities you have in the meantime, and plan how you will fit the completion of the project within that schedule. Start planning from day 1 without making excuses.
2. Find Facts and Evidence
Unless you're writing an essay based on personal experience, the assignment will need support from outside sources. No matter how strong your arguments are, they are never enough to stand on their own. That's why you need to commit to a diligent process of research.
If you've been careful during the lectures, you already have few ideas on how to complete the assignment. Write them down and let them guide the research process. Keep track of all sources of information you locate. You can use Pinterest for that purpose. Once you have analyzed enough information, you can proceed to the following step:
3. The Outline
When it comes to completing academic assignments, it's always important to know where you start and where your initial idea will get you. That plan has to be written in the form of an outline, which will give a direction to the main points of discussion and will keep your arguments focused throughout the paper.
Most academic projects are consisted of three parts:
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs
- Conclusion
Each paragraph should have its own argument, which is related to the previous and following argument, as well as with the thesis statement. Don't forget to include the evidence you are going to use to support each argument. This kind of structure guides the continuity of ideas in a focused direction. As a result, the professor will get a strong, authoritative paper that deserves a high grade. So craft that outline and follow it through the writing process.
4. Write, Write, Write!
Now that you have a rock-solid foundation for your work, the writing process won't be that challenging. The look at a blank page on your computer might be frightening, but once you paste the outline on it, it will be easier to start filling in the gaps.
The introduction has to be very powerful. Starting with an anecdote or a quote from an expert is a nice strategy, since it gives you a nice entrance to your own words. At the end of the introduction, include a unique thesis statement that captures the essence of the entire paper. Then, you'll relate every single argument to that statement and you'll bring your statements to a logical conclusion.
5. Add Tables and Figures
Think: can you insert a table or figure related to the theme? If you can think of a way to convey information through this format, then do it! Your professor will be impressed because they will make the paper look sleek and clear. Plus, they will give out the impression that you've invested tons of effort into that assignment.
6. The Final Step: Editing and Proofreading
An assignment cannot achieve its maximum without being edited. But, before you make progress to this stage, make sure you take a break. You've done a great deal of work, so you need to give yourself some time to relax. Try not to think of the assignment for a day, or at least for few hours. When you get back to it, you'll look at it with a fresh eye and you'll be able to spot the flaws.
- First, look at the big picture: do you need to add more information or get rid of some sentences?
- When you're done with the structural editing process, you can continue with proofreading. Make sure every word is at its place and all sentences make logical sense.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to do your best with an assignment, the challenge is too much to handle. Maybe the topic is too complex or you're simply not a good writer. Practice is the key to success. If there's no time for practice, you can always get assignment help from a reliable writing service.