Where to start with an assignment

Before you start your research for an assignment you need to analyse the topic in order to get a clear idea of what the question is asking. Read the essay instructions and the assignment marking criteria in detail.

The following websites will help you understand different types of assignments and give you tips for structuring your work.

• Types of assignments
• Steps for successful assignments
• Annotated Bibliography: a general guide
• Online Assignment Planner to help plan your assessments

Student Services offers workshops to help improve your study and assignment writing skills.

What type of information to use

With so much information available, how do you know where to start? The following will help you understand different types of information sources and their suitability for assignments.

• Types of information sources (How to Guide)
• Types of information suitable for your assignments (493.44 KB)

Background Reading

If you're not sure what your topic is about, look at the Subject guide for the course on your "My Library" page. Subject guides list subject specific dictionaries, encyclopaedias, websites and more, providing useful background information to help you get started with your assignment.

The course materials recommended by your lecturer also provide useful background readings. You can access most of these under My Course Resources on My Library.

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