4.4 Stages in assignment writing

Discussion

You may well have thought of some, if not all, of the following stages:

• preparation

• planning

• drafting

• polishing

• letting go

• reflecting on the feedback.

Let's break down these stages further.

Preparation

This stage consists of:

• estimating the time available for the task

• identifying what the question is asking of you

• taking note of the guidance you have been given

• researching or carrying out an experiment or collecting data

• making notes

• thinking over your ideas.

Planning

Planning your assignment involves:

• working out an appropriate and logical structure

• identifying what is relevant and what is not

• taking account of the word limit

• refining your ideas

• selecting appropriate evidence or quotations.

Drafting

This stage comprises a single task:

• writing the assignment, perhaps with one or more early drafts.

Polishing

Polishing your assignment means:

• reviewing what you have written and making changes

• checking your spelling and grammar

• making sure your references are correct

• checking the word count.

Letting go

This is more than just sending off your assignment. Letting go includes:

• deciding when the assignment is finished

• submitting the assignment

• conducting a self-review.

Reflecting on tutor feedback

And finally:

• comparing your self-review with your grade and tutor comments.

As you can see, the actual writing of the assignment is only one part of the process.