The results are out and your palms are sweating. Will this be a failed attempt or will the late nights and hard work finally reflect in your assignment results?
Very often we talk to students that feel disheartened and de-motivated because they really put in a lot of effort, but rarely do they receive the assignment results that they feel they deserve. Why is this and how can you ensure the best possible assignment or test results?
Some common mistakes that students make include:
- Irrelevant information;
- Answers are too short;
- Some answers were not completed;
- Assignment sections were left out;
- Lack of application and demonstrating own understanding; and
- Plagiarism.
Do not despair, these common mistakes do not need to jeopardise your future or career plans. With a few tips and tricks you can improve your assignment or test results. The key is to work smarter, not harder by following this plan of action
1. Read your assignment question carefully:
Ensure that you fully understand what is being asked of you before you attempt to answer the question.
For example: "Explain two training methods.”
Firstly you need to scrutinise the question. Rephrase the question in such a way that it makes sense. For example, the question can also be phrased as: "Describe two ways or techniques in which training can take place.”
A typical answer for the question can be:
- Role-playing. Participants play the roles of those involved in a specific situation.
- E-learning. Training is conducted online by using the Internet.
Read the question carefully to ensure that you understand the question. Highlight key words and identify the task words such as discuss, explain, compare, design, evaluate, justify etc.
2. Take the mark allocation of a question into account:
Look at how many marks a question count before you answer it to guide you with how much information you need to include in your answer. For, example if a questions counts two marks; you need to write at least two relevant facts or statements to receive two marks. Similarly when you have to complete an essay question for 30 marks, your answer should at least include 30 to 40 relevant facts or statements.
3. Answer all sections and all questions:
Answer each and every question, even if you are unsure of the answer. If you leave out a question, there is nothing that can be assessed and you will receive no marks, where you might still receive one or two marks when you answer something relevant or well-motivated. Even more so, it is important that you do not leave out a section of an assignment as it can easily cost you 25% - 50% of your assignment results.
4. Demonstrate your own understanding:
Although you need to use your study material to prepare for assignments, you still have to include your own insight and comprehension when you answer questions. It is important to show that you understand theoretical concepts and how to practically apply it. Use your own examples to emphasize and motivate statements that you make in your assignment. For example, if you state that all employees should from time to time receive orientation, you need to add an explanation such as: "All employees should from time to time receive orientation as processes and policies change and all employees should be updated with the latest and newest work information.”
When you use journal articles, web articles, text books or any other sources of information, include references. Furthermore try to change the phrases or sentences use into your own words, and add to it your own ideas so that the work submitted is your own.
Article by Zoe Auths, BMT College.