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The Basic Steps in Doing an Assignment

Skills for Success / Academic Skills / The Basic Steps in Doing an Assignment

1. Interpreting the Question

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Introduction

It is very important to ensure that you understand what your tutor wants you to do. Students often lose marks because they misunderstand the question and don't do what the tutor wanted them to do.

Here is a checklist of points you should consider when you get a new assignment. 

  • Identify Keywords: Look for the main terms and concepts in the question. These keywords will guide your research and writing.
  • Understand the Task / Question Words: Task words like “Analyze,” “Compare,” “Discuss,” and “Evaluate” indicate the type of response required. They don't all mean the same thing. Follow this link to make sure you understand what each task word means -  Glossary of Question Words.
  • Consider the Scope: Make sure you notice any focus or limitations in the question. Are you being asked to focus on a specific time period (e.g. "in the 1980s"), geographical area (e.g. "in the UK"), or theoretical perspective (e.g. "according to Skinner")?
  • Break Down the Question: Divide the question into manageable parts. This can help you address each component thoroughly and systematically.
  • Clarify Ambiguities: If any part of the question is unclear, seek clarification from your instructor or peers. It’s better to ask questions early than to make incorrect assumptions.
  • Requirements: These can include things like line spacing, word count, references, Harvard style etc. But, also look out for any other requirements, for example how many references, what type of sources to use, and many other possibilities.

In addition to these, you should also plan your time so that you have enough to do your best work. Include time for reviewing and redrafting. You should have a clear idea of what your objectives are - what exactly you will need to do. Don't underestimate how much time things might take. Find out all about time management in our Mini-module: Time Management

 

Examples

Here are a couple of examples of interpreting a question.

Example 1.

Here's an example of a question: 

Write a 3000 word essay with the title: “Evaluate the effectiveness of patient-centered care in improving patient outcomes in a hospital setting.”

You need to identify the keywords. In this case they are:

  • "Effectiveness"
  • "Patient-centered care"
  • "Improving patient outcomes"
  • "Hospital setting"

Then it is very important to understand the task or question word. In the example it is "Evaluate". : This word means assess the strengths and weaknesses, and provide a balanced judgment.

Then you need to recognise the scope or focus:

  • Patient-centered care practices within a hospital setting.
  • You can consider various patient outcomes (e.g., recovery rates, patient satisfaction, quality of life).

Then you can break down the question. In this example, possible points could be:

  1. Define "patient-centered care".
  2. Explain what constitutes "patient outcomes".
  3. Discuss how patient-centered care is implemented in hospitals.
  4. Evaluate the impact of patient-centered care on patient outcomes.
  5. Provide examples or case studies to support your evaluation.

You'll often find that there are points that you need to clarify in assignment briefs. You can ask a tutor. In this case examples of ambiguities could be:

  • Are there specific patient outcomes that should be emphasised?
  • Should the evaluation include comparisons with other care models?

The requirement is that you cannot use more than 3000 words.  

Example 2:

Here's another example question: “Discuss the role of renewable energy sources in reducing carbon emissions. You must use five different sources. The word limit is 1500 words”

The keywords are:

  • "Role"
  • "Renewable energy sources"
  • "Reducing carbon emissions"

The task word is "Discuss": This means, explore the topic in detail, considering various perspectives.

The scope is:

  • Focus on different types of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, hydro).
  • Consider the impact on carbon emissions reduction.

Then you can break down the question. In this example, possible points could be:

  1. Define "renewable energy sources".
  2. Explain the importance of reducing carbon emissions.
  3. Discuss various renewable energy sources and their roles.
  4. Analyse how each renewable energy source contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
  5. Provide examples or case studies to illustrate the impact.

Possible ambiguities that you might want to clarify could be:

  • Are there specific renewable energy technologies that should be focused on?
  • Should the discussion include a comparison with non-renewable energy sources?
  • Are you allowed to use more than five sources?

The requirements are that you cannot use more than 1500 words and you need to use at least five sources.  

You can see that you need to interpret the question carefully in order to make sure that your writing is focused, relevant, and fits in with what the tutor wanted.

 

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