Dear Students
Going through some of the assignments of last year I noticed that most of them had one thing in common: a lack of attention to the technical aspects of the assignment.
I would like to suggest something which can help improve the standard of your assignments this year. More suggestions to follow in subsequent articles!
Compile a generic checklist and before you hand in any assignment, check it against this list to ensure that you’ve done everything possible to create a good first impression and add value to your assignment.
The following is a list of some of the technical aspects that need to be checked. You can use it as a starting point for your list and add to it:
Checklist
| Instructions | Did you follow all the instructions regarding font, font size, spacing, number of words, etc? |
| Cover page | Is there a cover page and is it properly completed? |
| Table of contents | Is there one? |
| Headings | Did you use headings to give structure to the assignment and facilitate easy reading? |
| Paragraphs | Did you use one idea per paragraph and is there a logic flow of ideas from one paragraph to the next? |
| Sentences | Are your sentences short and to the point? Did you use a subject and a verb in every sentence? Is it clear what the subject of the sentence is? |
| Spelling mistakes | Did you correct the spelling mistakes? |
| Typing errors | Did you read through the assignment to check for and correct typing errors? |
| Register | This refers to the style of language used in a specific context, especially the degree of formality and the choice of vocabulary. Maintain a more formal register in your assignments. |
| Bibliography | Did you use the correct reference method? |
| Plagiarism | Did you read and sign the plagiarism declaration? |
| Declaration | Did you complete and attach this declaration? |
The technical aspects will be discussed in detail later this year. Meanwhile, you are more than welcome to make an appointment with any of the writing consultants if you need help in this regard.
Good luck!
Mariaan Vorster
(Writing Consultant)