💫10 secrets to #writing fabulous academic assignments ✨
A quick thread for #AppliedLinguistics #TESOL and #Literacies students @MQLinguistics, and anyone else who's sweating over an academic assignment
Secret #1: Figure out what you have to do!
What is the task? What are the expectations and requirements?
Secret #2: Plan your #time!
A #writing assignment consists of 5 steps: allocate time to each:
1 Planning
2 Orientation
3 Structuring
4 Drafting
5 Revision
Secret #3: Minimize distractions!
languageonthemove.com/what-can-you-d…
Secret #4: Beat #procrastination with good habits!
Toothbrush test: when did you last forget to brush your teeth? If you have good habits, you simply don't because brushing your teeth is like 2nd nature. Same with #writing: to beat procrastination, make it part of your routines
Secret #5: Read, read, read!
If you don’t have the time to #read, you don’t have the time (or tools) to #write. Simple as that. (Stephen King, On Writing)
How to search for #literature systematically is a key academic skill. If you have not yet acquired it, check out the offerings of your #library or set up an appointment with a #learning advisor.
libguides.mq.edu.au/systematic_rev…
Secret #6: Seek out models!
Model your #writing on things you like to #read. And identify what you don't like and stay away from that.
Secret #7: #Reading for #writing requires its own strategies!
Reading and #notetaking strategies for assignment writing are explained in this 35-min video:
Secret #8: Drafting your assignment is like weaving!
The word "text" derives from Latin "texere" ("to weave" - same as in "textile") So, keep all your threads in mind when drafting. Ultimately the assignment should answer questions
These are the questions you want to answer:
1 What is the research problem?
2 What is the context and background?
3 What are the most important relevant research findings?
4 What are their implications?
5 What is “the take-home message” for your audience?
Secret #9: Revise! More than once!
Revise for content, language and style, and formal requirements
The long version of this thread on how to #write fabulous assignments for coursework students is available here:
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