Written assignments vary in terms of what is expected, and also vary both across and within courses at different universities. Some subjects are based on written research papers, while others may be essays based. It all depends on what the assignment scope entails.

For help in writing assignments and in structuring an assignment answer, please review Pogojo’s search page to see if a student has uploaded an assignment that is similar to the one you are completing. This is not about helping you cheat but about assisting you setting out an assignment in the best possible way.

But before you start writing your assignment, there is one step you need to take before getting start writing and that is to Frame Your Assignment! If you do this well, then the writing part will be a lot easier.  

Writing an Assignment

With your framework in place and resources gathered, you can begin writing your assignment following these simple tips:

• Begin to draft your assignment by typing directly on to your computer. This is a faster avenue to get your thoughts on paper than it is to write by hand. The extra benefit is that when you edit your writing and finalize your submission, it’s ready to print!
• Do not spend too much time on the introduction or executive summary upfront. Outline a few points that you believe are required in these sections and revisit them after you have written your conclusion. By the time you have finished your paper, you will have a more holistic view of your assignment, making it easier to introduce your piece or write up an executive summary or overview.
• Support your ideas and theories with valid resources and with correct citation – remember, do not plagiarise! Read Pogojo’s Plagiarism Policy here.
• Keep an eye on your word count. Don’t overuse precious space and time early on because you may end up compromising the quality of the remainder of your assignment Plus, nobody enjoys deleting chunks of writing from their own piece of work. Remember the golden rule of quality being more important than quantity. Be succinct in your delivery and avoid adjectives and unnecessary sentences that add no value to your argument.
• For every idea expressed, state your reasons why and justify it with supporting sources of information or findings from valid literature. This is a cohesive tool to conclude a section adequately.
• It is generally easiest to break up your paragraphs as you touch on new ideas, support them and justify and conclude. If you need to discuss several ideas in the one paragraph, be sure to sub-divide the entire paragraph so that a new line touches on a new concept. This enhances readability without compromising the correct format required.
• Edit as you go along. Try to read over each section after you have completed it. It is hard to spot your own mistakes so soon after writing, but you may be able to pick up on some errors and amend them - this saves you from major editing and an assignment overhaul at the end!
• Conclude your assignment by reinforcing what was required to be explored, your ideas put forward and the cross section of resources included that supported your concepts.
• Revisit your introduction and ensure that it highlights the topic being explored, the notions you will examine and the uncertainties that will be reviewed in trying to fulfil all facets of the brief.
• If an executive summary or paper overview is required, it is best to write it up once your paper has been completely edited.

Editing the assignment

• Have a break and return to proofread your assignment with a clear mind and fresh eyes. Read slowly and even out loud if it helps you notice glitches easier.
• Let someone else you trust to proofread your assignment for a second opinion, and because they may pick up errors that you have missed.
• Ensure all reference materials are cited correctly and listed in your accompanying appendices, bibliography or resource list where applicable.
• Spell-check your work! This merely looks out for spelling errors and not necessarily grammatical mistakes.
• Cut, paste, reword and restructure where necessary.
• Align your paragraphs. 
• Make sure formatting is consistent by way of borders, headings, sub-headings, bullet points and other components so that it is in line with your subject guidelines on written assignments and so that readability is optimum. Remember the marker, who may have many works to grade!
• Proofread again, and again.
• Mark your pages with necessary headers and footers with your student information, as per the requirements set by the instructor.
• Finally, read over your printed assignment - it is repetitive, but you would prefer to spot a mistake during the last opportunity before handing it in.

REMEMBER, once you get your mark, upload your assignment and start making money!

Good Luck!