7 Things To Ask About Your Assignment Before You Start Doing It

The Australian education system is quite different from the systems in other countries. Unlike the US, there are no federal guidelines that dictate what kind of assignments students must complete. However, there are some commonalities between the states. For instance, most states require students to complete a certain number of hours of homework each week.

Also, the vast majority of teachers in Australia use a standardized assessment rubric when grading assignments. This means that you can often find out exactly what your teacher is looking for by doing a quick Google search.

Assuming you’re comfortable with the above, here are seven things you should always ask about your assignment before you start doing it:

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1. What is the purpose of the assignment?

You must know why you are being asked to do the assignment. Is it to assess your knowledge of the material? To develop a particular skill? Or is it simply busy work? If you don’t know the purpose, you won’t be able to complete the assignment effectively.

Knowing the assignment’s purpose before you start will help you focus your efforts and ensure that you’re on the right track.

For example, if the assignment is part of your assessment, you’ll need to make sure that you understand the assessment criteria so that you can address all of the requirements. You’ll need to focus more on the areas that can fetch you more marks. On the other hand, if the purpose of the assignment is to develop a skill, you’ll need to make sure that you practice that skill as much as possible.

Let’s take writing an essay for example. If the purpose of the assignment is to assess your knowledge of the material, you’ll need to make sure that your essay covers all of the required points and is well-structured. If the purpose of the assignment is to develop your writing skills, you’ll need to focus on improving your style and making sure your argument flows smoothly.

2. What are the specific instructions?

Each assignment is different and will have its own set of instructions. These instructions may be given to you verbally, in writing, or online. Make sure that you understand the instructions before you start working on the assignment.

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for clarification. It’s better to spend a few extra minutes getting clarification than to waste hours doing the assignment wrong.

Some key things to look for in the instructions are the word limit, due date, format requirements, and any other specific guidelines that your teacher may have given.

For example, while writing a lab report, you’ll need to pay attention to the required format, which may vary depending on your teacher’s preferences. You’ll also need to make sure that you include all of the required sections, such as the abstract, introduction, methodology, results, and discussion.

3. What is the due date?

Some assignments are quick and easy, while others may take days or even weeks to complete. It’s important to know how much time you have so that you can plan accordingly.

If an assignment is due soon, you’ll need to make sure that you start working on it as soon as possible. On the other hand, if you have more time, you can afford to take your time and do a thorough job.

In either case, it’s important to make sure that you don’t leave the assignment until the last minute. This will only lead to rushed work and a lower-quality product.

Especially while writing a thesis or a dissertation, you’ll need to start working on the assignment well in advance so that you have enough time to research, write, and edit your work.

4. What is the word limit?

The word count is another important thing to look for in the instructions. It will give you an idea of how long your assignment should be.

Keep in mind that the word count is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. You may find that you need to deviate from the word count depending on the nature of the assignment.

For example, if you’re writing an essay, you may find that you need more or fewer words to adequately cover the topic. In this case, it’s better to focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity.

On the other hand, if you’re writing a short answer question, you’ll need to make sure that you stay within the word limit. In this case, it’s better to be concise and to the point.

Teachers grade hundreds of papers, and they want to see that you can follow instructions. If you can’t stay within the word count, it will reflect poorly on your work.

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5. How will the assignment be assessed?

Assessment criteria may from assignment to assignment but some of the common ones include:

• Clarity: Can the reader understand what you’re trying to say? Are your ideas well-organized and clearly presented?
• Organization: Is your work well-structured? Is it easy to follow?
• Argument: Does your work support your thesis? Do you provide evidence to back up your claims?
• Use of evidence: Have you used reliable sources to support your argument?
• Writing style: Is your writing clear and concise? Do you use proper grammar and punctuation?
• Critical thinking: Do you critically engage with the material? Do you go beyond simply summarizing the readings?
• Analytical depth: Do you provide insightful analysis? Do you go beyond the obvious interpretation of the material?

It’s important to know how your work will be assessed so that you can focus on the right things. If you’re not sure about the assessment criteria, ask your teacher for clarification.

Some assignments are assessed purely on a pass/fail basis, while others are graded on a scale. In either case, it’s important to do your best so that you can get the highest possible grade.

6. What resources are available to help me complete the assignment?

In academic circles, you need to use credible and reliable sources to support your claims. These sources can come in the form of books, journal articles, websites, etc.

If you’re not sure where to find these sources, start by looking at your syllabus or the course readings. These are usually good places to start.

You can also ask your teacher or a librarian for help. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

You cannot quote Wikipedia but it can certainly help you research a topic. Especially the ‘References’ section of a wiki can provide you with good leads on where you can find further information on a topic.

7. What are the consequences of not completing the assignment?

If you are struggling with the assignment, you need to know what will happen if you do not complete it. Will you fail the class? Will you get a lower grade?

It’s important to be aware of the consequences so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to complete the assignment.

If you’re struggling with the material, it may be better to seek help from a tutor or your teacher rather than simply not doing the assignment.

In some cases, you may get an extension on the assignment. This will give you more time to complete it but it’s important to ask for an extension before the deadline passes.

Asking these questions will help you understand the expectations and requirements of the assignment, and ensure that you complete it to the best of your ability.

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