Academic Tips

Mastering Your Assignments: Proven Writing Strategies

Have you ever sat in front of the piece of white paper, wondering: Where do I even start from?… Yes, we’ve all been there, but now that you’ve found us, we are here to help you with your struggles. So, here are the most important things to consider when writing academic papers like essays, reports and more!

Ivelina Toteva
September 6, 2024
5min read


First of all....

  1. Understand the Assignment Brief 📚

Good work starts with understanding the requirements. If you are unsure of where to start, begin by carefully reading through the ASSIGNMENT BRIEF,  noting key details such as the word count, format, and specific questions or tasks. Consider the keyword used in the question - most of the time, words such as “discuss,” “evaluate,” “analyse,” or “compare” will be used as singular prompts however, two keywords can be used in parallel. So, what do these keywords actually mean?

Discuss - Discussions require the student to make a case for or against the topic of the essay, by pointing out the possible advantages and disadvantages.

Evaluate - The main purpose of this type of essay is to provide an in-depth overview of a topic, concept or idea, without making it biassed. As such, ‘evaluate’ essays should stay as impartial as possible.

Analyse - An essay which prompts students to analyse is, essentially, requesting the careful selection of evidence that argues for, or against, a topic, which will help students arrive at a single, well-constructed argument.

Compare - Comparing often prompts students to identify similarities and differences between two objects, concepts or ideas. Including what similarities and differences are more important than others can bring higher points.

Contrast - Identify possible similarities and differences.

Justify - Although slightly harder than some of the aforementioned prompts, justifying a topic, concept or idea requires a statement of why the student thinks something is so, followed by a balanced argument.Make sure that you check all Learning Outcomes stated by the brief, and then you should cover each of them in your essay. Should you find yourself unable to understand the question posed, don’t forget that your lecturers are always available for consultation!

Finaly, break the assignment down into parts, and clarify anything unclear with your lecturer or tutor.

Remember: In your assignment brief, you will find LEARNING OUTCOMES. You should always consider them!

        2. Research Effectively 🔍

A strong assignment is built on solid research. Start by gathering credible sources, such as academic journals, books, and reliable websites.

Ideally, an outline should always include, at minimum, the following points:- Introduction- Main Body- Conclusion- References

It is important to remember that points are often awarded for a varying selection of sources, which means that including at least 3 books and 5 academic journals should be a minimum when writing a higher-education essay.
Remember: In your assignment brief and your lectures slides you will find reccomended readings given to you by your school, so always consider them first!

Students unsure of where and how to find reliable sources of information can explore our Academic Resources guide here. 

         3. Create a Clear Outline 📖

Before starting your first draft, develop a clear outline:

Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and state your thesis or argument.

Main Body: Divide this into sections, each addressing a different aspect of your argument.

Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate your thesis in light of the evidence discussed.

Remember: You can do this by using our powerful AI tool called Essay Generator ✨.

Once, having the right outline, it’s the time to start crafting your masterpiece!

           4. Develop the first draft 📝

Writing an essay that is both compelling and successful starts with developing a solid thesis. Instead of just summarising sources, students ought to interact critically with the content. This entails not only summarising the opinions of academics but also dissecting their reasoning, challenging presumptions, and assessing the reliability of the data they offer.

Students who use critical thinking can make connections between many sources, point out areas where the study is lacking, and provide their interpretations, leading to higher points.

Remember: Be Clear and Concise

Good academic writing is clear, concise, and to the point. Avoid overly complex sentences or jargon that might confuse the reader. Instead, focus on making your ideas as accessible as possible.

          5. Referencing ✔️

Use Credible Sources and Reference Properly!

Using credible sources adds weight to your argument and shows that you’ve done thorough research. Always reference your sources accurately using the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard).

Remember: You should develop strong position on the subject and back it up with reliable data. Just citing a source in support of your argument is insufficient; you also need to explain how it fits into the larger discussion and why it is for or against it.

          6. Edit and Proofread Thoroughly

Even the best ideas can be undermined by poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or unclear phrasing. That’s why editing and proofreading are crucial steps in the assignment-writing process.

          7. Meet the Word Count requirements

Remember, every word should serve a purpose. Avoid filler content just to hit the word count.

        8. Manage Your Time Effectively 🕒

Break your assignment into manageable tasks—research, outlining, writing, and editing—and set deadlines for each stage.

Remember: Seek Help When Needed 🙋‍♂️

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling with an assignment. Our dedicated team is always here to help you!

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