This document provides guidance on approaches and best practices for writing assignments. It begins by outlining the learning outcomes of recognizing your writing approach and identifying common problems. It then discusses breaking large tasks into more manageable chunks and using a basic essay structure of an introduction, main body, and conclusion. Some common problems and best practices are identified, such as using formal third-person language, proper sentences, and rewriting. Guidance is also provided on writing reports with different conventions like headings, numbers, and recommendations. Finally, tips are given on style, objectivity, referencing, and putting points across clearly.

1. Using Stuff

2. By the end of this session, you should:
• Recognise your approach to producing assignments
• Be able to identify common problems to avoid in
your assignments
Learning Outcomes

3. Approaches to writing

4. Common problems
& best practice
Adapted from Greasley 2011, p.10-13.

5. How do you eat an elephant?

6. How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time
Breaking down a big job into more manageable
chunks can make it much easier to complete.

7. Essay Layout
An essay should follow this basic structure:
Introduction
(1 paragraph, 2 at most)
Main Body
(one or more paragraphs on each point you want to make)
Conclusion
(1 paragraph, bringing together your points – do not introduce new information!)

8. Essay Style
• Use the 3rd-person style: never use ‘I’ in an essay (unless you’re
told to).
• Formal language : avoid contractions and colloquial language
– ‘did not’, not ‘didn’t’; ‘television’ not ‘TV’ or ‘telly’
• Write in proper sentences – word-processing software can assist
you with this.
• Don’t use bullet points in an essay
– You can sometimes structure bullets into a flowing list by using colons and
semi-colons; however, each bullet usually needs to be a separate
sentence.
• Use clear language to communicate your points
• Re-write your work at least once, to make it flow better
• Make sure you are not just describing something. For good marks
you need to discuss, explain and analyse ideas.

9. • Reports present information or findings
(essays present ideas)
• Different Structures
• Headings, Numbering & Contents used
• Broken into clear sections
• Reports include recommendations
Report Conventions

10. Information Report Layout
Component Purpose Description
Title Asks the question or
outlines the task
Includes key words about content and process.
Concise and to the point
Abstract Gives a brief summary A short paragraph describing the scope of the
report and main findings
Introduction Gives the purpose and
scope of the report
This gives critical background information. It
focuses on the key issues and outlines what is to
follow
Main body Gives the information,
interpreting, evaluating
if appropriate
The information should be divided into sections
under headings which could be numbered. Each
point of information should be supported by
evidence or example
Conclusion Summarises in 1-2
sentences the main
points of information
Shows you how you have answered the question

11. Report Style
• Usually in the 3rd-person style.
• Use formal language : avoid contractions and colloquialisms
– ‘did not’, not ‘didn’t’; ‘television’ not ‘TV’ or ‘telly’
• Write in proper sentences – word-processing software can
assist you with this.
• Bullet points are acceptable in some sections
• Though you can use abbreviations, ensure that these are clear
• Re-write your work at least once, to make it flow better
– The order of your report may alter as you write and make connections;
recognise this, and leave time for the necessary re-writes

12. You need to aim for an objective and detached
style in your assignments.
• “Swarms of migrants” (Cameron 2015) is a more subjective
and nuanced choice of words than “groups of migrants”.
• “I think that…” is less likely to be evidence-based than “it can
be argued that…”
Putting your point across

13. As a basic rule of thumb, at least one source should
be used per 250 words
How many references?

14. Writing style

15. Good luck with your
assignments!