1. Tackling Assignments Moya Seaman
Content adapted from “Preparing Assignments” The Open University

2. Type of Assignment?
Essay
Case Study
Report (Welsh Bacc)
Other?

3. Your college assignment
Where to start...
Your college assignment
Your strategy
Knowledge needed
Organise what to do
Drafting
Checking
Handing it in
Getting it back
Next assignment!

4. Understanding the question
Every question has key words: these will help you work out what the assignment is all about
Content words tell you about the topic
Process words tell you what you must do with the content

5. Content words What’s it all about?
Using examples from the case studies of Jean and Emily in Chapter 5, show how the local environment, including housing, can influence health and well being

6. Process words
Now that you know what it is about, what do you have to do
Using examples from the case studies of Jean and Emily in Chapter 5, show how the local environment, including housing, can influence health and well being

7. Process words Compare Contrast Criticise/Evaluate Define Discuss
Explain
Justify

8. Introductions 5-10% of word count
Try to keep to one paragraph (you may use more if it’s a long assignment)
Identify the main question or issue
Introduce any key words or terms
Highlight the main points you’ll be looking at
Finish the introduction with a sentence that links into the main body

9. Conclusions It shouldn’t be longer than the introduction
This should show that you have answered the question set in the assignment
Make reference to the content and process word in the title
Summarise the main points you’ve talked about
You may want to suggest what should happen in the future?
Avoid adding new ideas or arguments into the conclusion

10. Moodle and the Learning Centre
Sarah Davies: Learning Centre Manager
Writing Support
Flexipack: flexipack (password)