ASSIGNMENT-WRITING

Analysis of Title or Brief

&

Planning the Content

Why focus on the title / brief ?

Because

• it contains a central question that has to be answered / specific requirements that have to be adhered to.

• it helps you to focus on the approp areas for research, and on the info to select

• it may suggest ways in which the info gathered should be organised.

How to focus on the title / brief

• Read it out loud slowly• Read it slowly several times• Underline / Highlight the words which tell

you the approach to take (“The key verbs”)• Underline / Highlight the words that guide

you on the selection of subject-matter• Ask yourself questions about the title

(eg Why has it been given?)• Discuss it with a colleague

Choice of topic ?

• Choose a topic that interests you

• Choose one that will allow you to meet the aims of the module assessment (Can you include theory ?)

• Choose one that is easy to plan

• If topics are tied to a lecture programme, pick one that occurs early in the series

How much is this assignment worth?

• How far does the grade for the module depend on getting good marks here ?

• How many marks are given for analysis, conclusions, presentation etc?

• What are the rules for length? layout? referencing?

How long is it going to take?

Estimate and allocate time needed for:

• Analysing brief and planning the content

• Research Tasks

• Revising your plan

• Selecting and organising notes

• Producing the draft

• Revising and editing the draft

Planning the Content - 1

• Read the title / brief once again

• ‘Brainstorm’ what you think should go into the assignment

• Try doing this with a fellow-student

• Put it down as a list, or as a mind-map

• Read the title / brief again and check your list /mind-map against it

Planning the Content - 2

• ‘Brainstorming’ Questions to ask:– What do I already know?– What have I read?– What ideas / questions do I need to research?– Which sources might be interesting or

valuable?