Written assessments

Understand your question

It is essential that you understand what the assignment is asking of you before you attempt to answer the question.

  • Our useful guide explains how to break down your question, provides the definitions of common task words and outlines ways of beginning to tackle your assignment.
  • This Canvas course is a useful introduction to academic writing with specific sections on understanding your assignment, planning and structuring, writing types etc.

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Research

The first place that you should check to start your research is the resource list for your module, you can find you modules resource list at the ResourceLists@Bham homepage.

This short video explains how you can find your way around your resource list. [should we use a Youtube video? Also, the sound quality is not good - a lot of hiss in the background etc]

For further support on working with resource lists, see our full guide.

Beyond your modules resource list, you can also use:

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Planning and outlining

Based on what your research, you can use the following resources to develop a detailed essay plan:  

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Writing up

This guide provides tips and tricks for the overall writing process from start to finish.

Writing style

This video outlines tips for the final touches of your writing including writing concisely and signposting: 

See also:

Critical writing

Fieldwork/placement and reflective reports

Scientific writing

Dissertation/projects and literature review

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Referencing

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Colleges

Professional Services