which shows that you understand or can perform course content to the required standard
Written
Verbal
Performed

Focus on Essays and Reports

Question or Topic
Marking
Schedule
Tutor’s explanation in class

Understand the assignment requirements
Plan your time so you complete your work in plenty of time – no procrastinating
Motivate yourself to get reading and researching – learning as you go
Organise your ideas
Stick with the task, redrafting often.
Proofread!
Submit assignment on time

Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Bibliography


Introduce topic and background information
Identify the main points in the essay AND how they will be addressed


Main points
Linked

Summary of content from body of the essay

Reference list – APA format

..Depends on the type of report you are writing
Sections will include
Introduction
Results/
Findings
Discussion Conclusion Bibliography
Abstract
Literature
Review
May also include
Method
Recommend ations
Appendices


3 rd person - Impersonal

Accurate grammar and punctuation

Logical – structured flow

Researched – evidence based

No slang or colloquialisms – formal

Precise rather than vague

YOUR OWN VOICE – paraphrased not copied

I think that there has been an increase in the harmful use of alcohol over the last decade

Personal – Opinion
(Only give your opinion if it is asked for)

According to the World Health
Organisation (2011), the average consumption of acloholic beverages in 2005 was 6.13 litres of pure alcohol for every person aged 15 and older

On average, the pre-kindergarten classes that the children in this subsample attended met for 23h per week

Academic – providing it has been preceded by some research and statistical analysis. 23h should be written out in full: 23 hours

In my experience, I have found that children’s language knowledge in toddlerhood predicts their literacy achievement at school

Personal – anecdotal (only include personal experience if it is asked for.
Even then you should provide an example to back this statement up)

In 2009, DOC applied aerial 1080 to 174,000 hectares to control possums and rats.

To incredulous looks from both sides, he said the rules banned MPs wearing or carrying anything that advertised things.

Personal – subjective interpretation of body langauge, not referenced.
Is more like journalism than academic writing

Think
Analyse the question
Number these steps 1-10
Reflect and review
Read question
Plan
Research and read
Draft
Redraft and redraft
Submit
Construct initial plan

The effective method
7.
8.
5.
6.
3.
4.
1.
2.
9.
10.
Read question
Analyse the question
Construct initial plan
Read / research
Think
Plan
Write first draft
Check and re-draft.
Proofread
Submit
Reflect and review on feedback
The ‘assignment is a nightmare’ method
1.
Read question
4.
Read / research
7.
Write first draft
9.
Submit

Identify the subject
Check if there are any other significant words to consider
Identify the instruction
Identify key aspects in this particular question

Using theorists from the field of psychology, describe and discuss two personality theories and give examples (1000 words).
Marking schedule:

Two theories described 20%

Two personality models discussed in depth using theorists with appropriate examples provided 60%

Accurate APA referencing grammar and punctuation 20%


What is the subject/topic of this essay question?

“Personality theories”

What is the instruction in this essay question?

“Describe and discuss” and “Give examples”

Are there any other key aspects or significant words?

“Using theorists”

Introduction - 10% of word count 
100
1 st personality theory – described (100)
- discussed (300)

400
- examples
2 nd personality theory – described (100)

- discussed (300)
400
- examples
Conclusion – 10-15% of word count 
100+

Identify how much of the word count goes on introduction and conclusion
Ask how many words do I have to write in the body of the essay?
Break down main points into manageable pieces.
Consider calculating how many words for each section based on the marking schedule details - roughly

Write a 500 word essay to explain the partial rootzone drying system of irrigation and discuss its advantages and disadvantages
Marking schedule:

Described in depth

Advantages and disadvantages have
40% been explored

Accurate APA referencing
40% grammar and punctuation 20%

Introduction - 10% of word count

50
PRD described

200
Advantages of PRD

100
Disadvantages of PRD

100
Conclusion – 10-15% of word count

50+


Work from key words on plan

Change key words on plan to questions so you research to answer your questions




How do you perform partial rootzone drying
How does PRD work on the plant?
Where and when should PRD be used?
What are the advantages of partial rootzone drying? Disadvantages?

You might also prepare a worksheet for yourself with section for your questions and reference details

Question Research Reference

Plan to start early on your assignment
Analyse the question
Draft a plan
Research
Use academic writing style
Draft and redraft
Proofread
Enjoy the learning process!