It's about this time in the semester that things are heating up-with the first six weeks gone it's time that those assessments are due.To get the best results we need to get on top of the work. Here at mySupport we have included our top ten tips to help get finish your assessments.
1. Start Writing
-even if you have done little research, write out questions that you need to answer, this will help to direct your research.2. Avoid taking large amounts of notes
- it is better to write summaries in your own words and then conclude with a line that shows how this information relates back to the question.3. Relate reading to question
Read with the question in front of you, as you are reading, think 'How does this relate to the question?' if you cannot identify a relationship then STOP reading and revisit the question.4. Break up the question
You might need to break the question up into different parts, look for ‘instruction’ words like: Evaluate / Define / Examine – these words will direct the structure and layout of the question.5. Find, collate and summarise key points
Photocopy information and then highlight the key points, place similar points/ highlights together in piles, then take one pile, reread all the information and try to summarise the key points.6. Write a draft copy
Treat the first copy as a draft for your eyes only,do not worry about spelling, punctuation or grammar; just write!7. Write, then type
Use this first copy as the basis for the typed version;avoid trying to type straight from books. You may spend a lot of time in front of the computer writing and then deleting because you do not like what you have written! Writing directly onto the computer is a very difficult skill and it is better to put the information in your own words and then type from that.8. If you feel daunted by the size of the written assignment break it down:
Introduction =(approximately 10% of the total word count)Body =(Approximately 80% of the total word count)
Conclusion =(Approximately 10% of the total word count)
SO in an average 1,500 assignment, try working with this in mind
Introduction =one paragraph of approximately 150 words
Body =5-6 paragraphs of approximately 200 - 300 words
Conclusions =one paragraph of approximately 150 words
9. Start by writing one paragraph
One paragraph= only 300 words or approximately 30 lines! Make sure that you start with a statement that highlights what you are trying to argue, then present evidence that both supports and contests that idea and then explain why one side is stronger than the other. Finish the paragraph with a sentence that sums up what you have said and provide a link to the next idea / paragraph.10 Summarise your arguments in your conclusion
Always conclude by summarising the main arguments in the essay and try to add a new thought but not a completely new point. In other words, do not introduce new material into the conclusion try and build on an idea you have already mentioned.
Visit the Library Information Desks
The Librarians staffing the information desks can help students with anything related to library services including finding information and research (such as how to use databases, and where to find books on campus.
Good luck in your assignments!
mySupport team
