Organising points in an assignment
Once you have identified the command word(s) and interpreted the assignment question, you need to plan how your assignment will be structured. This is best done at the same time as you are researching the topic. The organisation of an assignment is also dependent on the type of assignment.
In understanding how to organise and structure the points you want to make in an assignment, it is worthwhile demonstrating several different patterns to use.
Example 1
Discuss the social effects surrounding an Act of Parliament.
Imagine you have chosen an Act of Parliament and have identified two main effects, with each effect incorporating several other sub-effects. Paragraphs could be structured around one or more sub-effects that comprise a main effect.
Introduction
Introduce Effects A and B.
Effect A
- Sub-effect (1st paragraph in body of assignment)
- Sub-effect (2nd paragraph)
- Sub-effect (3rd paragraph)
- Sub-effect (joined onto 3rd paragraph)
Effect B
- Sub-effect (4th and 5th paragraphs)
- Sub-effect (6th paragraph)
- Sub-effect (7th paragraph)
Conclusion
Summarise and highlight the three main sub-effects, as well as future implications of the Act.
Example 2
Compare and contrast Smith and Brown's theories about human development.
This question is basically asking you to write about the similarities and differences between two things. Imagine you have read up on both theories, but have found that there are more differences than similarities. Further, within the similarities there are two main features and within the differences there are three main features.
Introduction
Introduce Similarities and Differences
Similarities
Feature A
- Example from Smith's theory
- Example from Brown's theory
Feature B
- Example from Brown's theory
- Example from Smith's theory
- Another example from Smith's theory that replicates a part of Brown's theory
Differences
Feature C
- Examples of different processes of analysis from each theory
Feature D
- Example from Smith's theory that is not provided in Brown's
- Reason why Brown's theory does not include the stage in Smith's
Feature E
- Example from Brown's theory that is not in Smith's
- Reason why Smith's theory does not include the stage in Brown's
Conclusion
Summarise, and highlight overall there are more differences than similarities, which may derive from the structural differences between the theories.
Example 3
Discuss cross-cultural communication issues in business organisations.
Imagine you have identified four main issues, their associated causes, and potential solutions.
Introduction
Introduce the topic of cross-cultural communication and its influence upon business environments. Then briefly introduce the four main issues surrounding cross-cultural communication to be discussed in the essay.
Issue 1
- Identify and explain nature of problem or difficulty
- Outline causal factors
- Describe two possible solutions and briefly evaluate pros and cons of each solution
Issue 2
- Identify and explain nature of problem or difficulty
- Outline causal factors
- Describe two possible solutions and briefly evaluate pros and cons of each solution
Issue 3
- Identify and explain nature of problem or difficulty
- Outline causal factors
- Describe two possible solutions and briefly evaluate pros and cons of each solution
Issue 4
- Identify and explain nature of problem or difficulty
- Outline causal factors
- Describe two possible solutions and briefly evaluate pros and cons of each solution