Throughout your study it is likely that you will be required to complete various assessment tasks. A common form of assessment will be a written assignment. Developing a structured process can assist you in approaching these tasks confidently.  

There are a range of approaches that can be used, but typically they will follow this process:
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Understand the assignment

• Analyse the question/s
• Identify key requirements including format (essay, report, critical analysis, reflection), and word count
  
• Clarify any areas of confusion with lecturers.

Research gathering

• Start to compile potential sources of information
• Identify existing research/evidence on the topic
  
• Take notes, making sure to cite any material that has been used
  
• Apply the CAARP method to sources (Currency, Authority, Accuracy, Relevance, Purpose).

Planning

• Develop your point of view, argument, or thesis
• Develop an outline of your assignment, this will help you to begin structuring your document, and focusing your research.
  

Writing

• Begin writing your assignment. The structure will be guided by the format of your assignment
• Generally, an assignment will be comprised of an introduction, the body, and conclusion
  
• Your initial work will be a draft which can be reviewed and refined at a later stage.

Revision

• Review your assignment for coherence, clarity, and flow
• This is a good opportunity to apply a critical/opposing view on your argument. Does it make sense? Can it be refuted?
  
• Check for grammatical errors and style
• Check references – are they formatted correctly? Are required statements cited? Use the CAARP method
• Utilise external tools such as ‘Studiosity’ and/or ‘Grammarly’.

Final review

• Adjust as required following the review stage
• Double check formatting and readability
  
• Does the assignment address the requirements?
• Polish the document.

Submit

• Submit on time
• Check similarity report – adjust as required
  
• If required, request an extension.