Tackling assignment questions and writing assignments

Jan PattersonTe Puna Ako Learning Centre

Learning outcomes - after this workshop you’ll be able to: Identify the essential information you

need to tackle an assignment

Analyse an assignment question by identifying instruction words, key words and limiting words in assignment questions

Use some key tips to write a good assignment

Firstly …………..

Give your lecturer exactly what he/she asks for.

If you misunderstand one word in a question it can be enough to throw your assignment right off track.

So, can you follow instructions?

DO THE QUIZ – IT SHOULD TAKE YOU NO LONGER THAN TWO MINUTES

What’s the essential information before you start?Brainstorm with a partner

Word limit (500 words, 1000 words, 2000 words)

Due date and specific time (4 March by 4.00 pm)

Structure (essay, report, oral presentation?)

Presentation (margins, font type & size, spacing)

What is the question asking you to do?

What’s the essential information? Is there a marking criteria/schedule? Course objectives Where are you expected to find the

information? What’s it worth (10%, 25%, 40%, more?) Referencing requirements (APA style?

Harvard? MLA?)

Analysing the question: what are you being asked to do?Instruction words tell you how to answer the questionDefineEvaluateDescribe

Instruction words

DO THE MATCHING TASK IN A GROUP

Analysing a question for: instruction words, key words and limiting words Instruction words: tell you how to answer the

question Outline the procedures of… Compare some of… Key words: tell you what the question is about …in assessing a stroke patient …this country’s cultural attitudes Limiting words: tell you special conditions …with reference to at least 3 different sources …from 1970-to the present

Sample Questions Account for the large-scale immigration

into Malaya in the late 19th Century.

Describe the differences in tertiary education in New Zealand and your country.

ANALYSE THESE QUESTIONS WITH A CLASSMATE

Sample Questions Account for (instruction) the large-scale

immigration (key words) into Malaya in the late 19th Century (limiting).

Describe the (instruction) differences in tertiary education (key words) in New Zealand and your country (limiting).

Writing the essay – 3 partsState what you are going to cover in the

introduction

explain how your ideas are related (body)

finish in a way that links back to the topic and your introduction (conclusion)

Writing the introduction Introduce the topic – hook/lead in Background State essay’s main argument or main

issues discussed State how to intend to answer your

question/plan

Business is conducted through various channels of communication, including the internet, radio, television, print, and word of mouth (lead in). These channels are used to promote a product, service, or organization; relay information within the business community; or deal with legal and similar issues. The internet has been considered the most effective way in business communication. (background) This essay will examine the use of the internet in business communication. (main argument) It will analyse the weaknesses of the internet and discuss the future role of the internet in business communication. (plan)

ActivityRearrange the sentences to form an introductory paragraph

The body - write your ideas coherently and logically

Write a clear topic sentence to indicate your main idea or argument at the beginning of the paragraph

Provide supporting details to your main idea Make sure there is clear relationship between

the point you are making and the evidence given to support it.

Final sentence concludes the discussion and or leads on to the next paragraph

Paragraph - topic sentence(main idea)

TOPIC SENTENCE

SUPPORTINGDETAIL

SUPPORTING

DETAILSUPPORTING DETAIL

SUPPORTING DETAIL

EXPLAIN ILLUSTRATE GIVE EVIDENCE

For instanceTo illustrateIn other wordsThis is

followed byIn that caseThe reason

whyAs an example

show supporting details

howeverdespitein spite ofalthoughbut whereas

show contrast

In additionSimilarlyLikewiseAs well as FurthermoreMoreoverNot only … but

show similar ideas

Activity From the topic sentence, identify main idea What are the supporting details in terms of:

Explanation Examples/illustration Reference Concluding remark

Highlight the references Underline the linking words

Example of a paragraphIn the area of E-business, the biochip can be used as a scam-less payment method for cash and credit-card transactions. This is used in identification purposes prior to any financial transactions in order to maintain the security of the financial world. Moreover, with the concept of a cashless society, the biochip is one means to combat the ever growing threat of online financial terrorism. For example, the financial industry and consumers forfeit billions of dollars to identity fraud according to WorldNetDaily Exclusive (Gossett, 2006). Therefore, with the use of biochip in business transaction and other financial transfers, it can help to deter cyber-theft.

Example of a paragraphIn the area of E-business, the biochip can be used as a scam-less payment method for cash and credit-card transactions. This is used in identification purposes prior to any financial transactions in order to maintain the security of the financial world. Moreover, with the concept of a cashless society, the biochip is one means to combat the ever growing threat of online financial terrorism. For example, the financial industry and consumers forfeit billions of dollars to identity fraud according to WorldNetDaily Exclusive (Gossett, 2006). Therefore, with the use of biochip in business transaction and other financial transfers, it can help to deter cyber-theft.

Support ideas with referencesBy paraphrasing, quoting or

summarisingTPA workshops:

APA Referencing Mon 11/3, 4.30-6.30 pmThu 21/3, 4.30-6.30 pm

Paraphrasing Tue12/3, 4.30-6.30

Conclude your writing Briefly summarises the main points Restates the central argument Refers back to the topic May highlight implications May make suggestions /

recommendations

Example of a conclusion In conclusion, with the advancement

in technology, the possibilities introduced by the biochip are endless; it will definitely change people’s lives drastically as personal information will be available in a split second. It is highly likely that the biochip will continue to evolve and develop into one of the many essentials in people’s lives; whether in business, health or even national security for every country.

Use formal language • No impersonal language - no personal

pronouns such as ”I” or “you” except in cases of writing personal reflections

Use complete sentences verbs and tensessentence structurearticlesword order

• Avoid using:contractions and abbreviations (don’t/ do not)slang (I reckon it is important..) ‘etc.’ or ‘and so on’ (Say it or stop.)

Edit and proof read your work

Edit and proofread Check whether:

Position is clear? Arguments are presented clearly? All points are well supported and

relevant? Words are correctly used? Grammar is ok? VISIT TE PUNA AKO

Kia kaha!Good luck!

Tell the person next to you one or two things you’ve learned from this workshop.

Evaluation: