assignment writers

assignment writers

The Art of Assignment Writing: Strategies and Techniques for Academic Success

1. Introduction to Assignment Writing

Social science academics teach international students in cultural contexts which vary widely, and from within the framework of the expectations of widely acknowledged and authoritative academic publications in the social sciences. These academics also teach in particular disciplines which require distinct styles of writing, even if all social science academic bodies see considerable value in the communication of research-based knowledge beyond their respective academic disciplines. The art and craft of assignment writing for assignments to be written within these unique circumstances is at once universal and also very much dependent on the nature of the discipline in which the teaching is based. Such features shape the key terms of the assignment question that students grapple with, the selection of answers to these key terms, the construction and content of the writing, and the articulation of interpretation, use of theory, substance of research, and application of ideas in assignments.

From reflections upon current discussions about teaching in universities, and from their own teaching experience and research into academic literacy, the authors have learned that many university students have problems with reading and writing assignments, even when initially they consider these tasks straightforward. While in the beginning, many may believe that they understand what is required, this sense of control is often quickly lost. The more sensitive students discover quickly that they do not really understand the meaning of “discuss,” “explain,” or “critically assess.” Wouldn’t it be easier just to list the points, write the essay, get it over and done with, and get on with the serious business of getting the credit points or grades, it may be thought. In such circumstances, notions regarding what is meant by words like “discuss” and “critically assess” are frequently obscured by vocational priorities. This often results in an absence of artfulness in the student’s writing, and hence in the decision for this book: The Art of Assignment Writing: Strategies and Techniques for Academic Success.

2. Understanding Assignment Requirements

Your aim in assignment writing is to produce a piece of work that is clearly written, well-structured, and well-argued. It is not enough just to answer all parts of the assignment question or to fill a required length. You should also produce work that displays an understanding of the topics – to demonstrate that you understand what the assignment is about, and that you can integrate and use logically and creatively your new knowledge of the topics, as a result of attending lectures or workshops or after having read recommended and additional materials. The next part of this chapter is on this last step in the process of understanding an assignment: being aware of how to work with the important principles, themes, and content of the learning set by the assignment question.

2.2 Understanding the content and concepts of your assignment task

The first rule for success when completing an assignment task is, “Understand what you’ve got to do.” To accomplish this, you need to study the information provided in course guides, handouts, assignment specifications, and so on, in a systematic and structured manner. You need to collect and note down relevant instructions, hints, and tips. You must also take the time to clarify anything that is not clear. Internalize what you have to do and give yourself time to think about what to do and how best to accomplish your goals. We shall later propose specific strategies and techniques for achieving this. Once you are aware of how to approach a task, only then can you go on to the next step in the assignment-writing process: digesting and understanding the content and concepts which your assignment is about.

2.1 Introduction: Strategies for understanding how to approach the assignment

3. Research and Information Gathering Techniques

Information gathering After identifying your topic, you may consider the value of prewriting for your project. Prewriting techniques can help to gain or develop ideas. Among these techniques are brainstorming, listing, cubing, clustering, and engaging in focused freewrites. Consider using one of the methods to get started and try others if you do not find them helpful. All these techniques can help you to begin writing a great research paper. Keep your eyes open while gathering the information as perfect ideas are gathered when the mind and soul are set to look for them. The most advanced tool for prewriting is free writing. You just write any topics that come into the mind regardless of the order, structure of the suggestions. Try not to observe spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. The only consideration to use free writing is to preserve the following guidelines: Relax, start writing anything that strikes into the intellect, create a flow of thoughts in mind, write rapidly and uninterruptedly about gathered information, do stop if you are blocked and wait for insights to come. With free writing, you can amalgamate your ideas, work them into well-organized paragraphs or descriptive essays. It allows an individual to focus on gathered information and makes any tricky situation easier by practicing it often.

Once you have developed your thesis statement, you will need to look for sources that will contribute to the evidence you need to support it. Checking the library’s reserve collection, asking a librarian for assistance, or searching periodical databases are good methods for gathering reliable information. Once you have begun the research process, understanding the differences between magazines and journals (which will be covered later in this guide) is essential. Take notes, expanding the information you need to include in your paper, and make sure you keep track of where you have gathered it from.

4. Structuring Your Assignment

Most assignments require an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion. A bibliography is often provided at the end. Use a numbering system for the sections and sub-sections. This practice will assist the reader in evaluating the links between different stages of your research and the logic behind the arguments and the facts you have come to use in your analysis. It also helps you, the writer, to keep the content and direction explicit.

Get to the point quickly. Your reader does not need to be familiarized at length with your subject before you address the assignment question. Do not spend a lot of time or words getting to your point. If through your research you discover that you have written a good introductory piece, keep it for another time. It may have relevance to some completely different aspect of your study and/or another assignment.

There are several ways to structure written work – a series of paragraphs, the use of headings, or even a combination of the two. Whatever strategy you choose, be clear about how you will use the material. What is the purpose of each section, and how does it connect with preceding and subsequent material?

Some assignments require analysis and reflection. Others are primarily descriptive. Whatever the task, your marker will want to see evidence of a well-structured piece of writing. Make sure your thoughts flow clearly and that the structure is demonstrably apparent to the reader.

5. Effective Writing and Editing Strategies

The skills required for efficient and effective completion of written assignments are invaluable in any line of work, but they are particularly valued in most spheres of employment. Large or small organizations will both benefit from employees who can write clear and precise prose and analyze complex issues methodically. To be a successful actor, diplomat, artist, writer, or politician – or even a successful lover – good interpersonal skills, effective and imaginative communication, as well as the confidence to express ideas genuinely and with clarity, are essential. These sparks of fire that make us unique need to be brought together if they are to ignite and potentiate the creative arts. With regard to your studies, mastery over the techniques described in this final chapter should assist you to develop and encode your abilities more successfully.

Effective writing of essays, articles, and thesis or dissertations requires careful planning and a series of time-consuming operations, the most important of which is composition. This chapter offers practical and useful advice on writing all types of essays at university level. Particularly relevant is Section 5.3, which emphasizes reading and making literature notes before writing the essay. Since so many talented students – and indeed professional scholars – feel ill-at-ease when confronted with written assignments, the authors suggest that you use the techniques in Section 5.4. The well-tested techniques there should help you to gain confidence and cope with the most difficult tasks a bit more easily.