Academic Writing

HOW DO WE START?

As obvious as it sounds, the first step of any academic assignment is to read the question carefully. By correctly identifying the key words in the question, we can work out what is expected from us.

Assignment questions will typically use key phrases such as identify, justify or describe. The key words are telling you exactly what kind of answer you should provide.

Assignment questions feel less intimidating when they are broken down into smaller sections.

WHAT ARE YOU BEING ASKED TO DO?

Let’s break down a few key words commonly used in assignment questions to get more of an idea of what they are asking from you.

Analyse

Make a detailed examination or investigation into something.

Criticise

Give your opinion about the theories you have covered, back your opinion up with supporting evidence.

Describe

Give a detailed account.

Discuss

Investigate or examine by argument, give reasons for and against.

Evaluate

Make a judgement about the value/importance/worth of something.

Extent

“To what extent” - asks you to weigh the evidence for and against something: to state ‘how far’ something is valid.

Justify

Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions.

Compare and Contrast

Look at the similarities and differences, highlight the main differences.

Writing the Assignment

PLANNING

Make sure that you understand what is being asked of you.
Break down the question.
Identify the key areas and topics you need to cover in your assignment.
Read and take notes in classes.
Carry out follow up reading to aid your understanding of each topic.
Begin to develop arguments with different points of view.
Begin to develop your main point.

WRITING A DRAFT

Remember, it doesn’t matter how bad you think your draft is as long as you have written something. You can always come back to it later and starting from a rough draft is always easier than starting from scratch!
Organise your notes and arguments.
Divide the assignment into smaller sections; eg. Introduction, Point 1, Point 2, Conclusion etc.
Work through each section one at a time.
Keep note of all of the bibliographic information as you go, organise it later.