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RMIT University Library - Learning Lab

Assignment preparation

 

You need to be aware that not all assignments are the same.

The first step is to understand what type of assignment you are doing, and what you are being asked to do.

Understanding the assignment topic

Ask yourself these questions before you begin:

  • What type of assignment am I doing?
  • What should my finished assignment look like?
  • What does my lecturer expect of me?
  • What other information do I need to look at?
  • Where can I find this information?

Read StudyBot's advice about how to start preparing for your assignment. Click on the links in the conversation to access the resources.

Assessment tasks Understanding an assignment topic

Preparation and planning resources

Questions to ask Resources to help
  • Where do I begin?
  • What type of assignment will I be doing?
  • What will the finished assignment look like?
  • What is my lecturer expecting of me?
  • What other instructions, marking criteria, or rubric do I need to look at?
  • Where can I find this information?

Planning

It is not effective to just sit down and start writing. You need to think broadly about the topic, plan what you will write about, and organise your time. Once you understand what you need to do, you're ready to start.

Read StudyBot's advice about how to start planning your assignment. Click on the links in the conversation to access the resources.

Brainstorming and mind mapping Planning an assignment Essay planning and research Managing my time Assignment planner

Planning resources

Questions to ask Resources to help you
  • What do I already know about the topic?
  • What do my course notes say?
  • How do I organise my ideas?
  • How do I take notes?