Library Subject Guides
Approaching the stages in effective academic writing: before, during and after.
Writing is a process, not the end product!
There's a lot more to a successful assignment than writing out the words. Reading, thinking, planning, and editing are also vital parts of the process.
These steps take you through the whole writing process: before, during and after:
1. Read the assignment instructions thoroughly. What exactly do you need to do?
2. Read, make notes, think critically, repeat. This is a crucial step!
3. Make a general plan with the main points.
4. Make a detailed plan, focusing on creating a clear structure.
5. Check the plan. Is the task addressed fully? Are you being critical?
6. Write the first draft. Read and think more as needed.
7. Edit and redraft as needed.
8. Proofread carefully. Focus on referencing, spelling and grammar.
9. Submit the assignment. Give yourself time before the deadline in case of problems.
10. Read feedback carefully to help improve your next assignments.
11. Start the process again for your next assignment!
This process is applicable to various writing projects, including essays, reports, and dissertations. Modifications can be made to suit specific requirements of those assignments.
View in a new window: The writing process [Google Doc]
Doing any project takes time, and academic writing projects are no exception. Planning takes time, and there's lots to consider before starting the planning process.
Here are ten tips on just that...
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To get a good mark, you must complete the set assignment! This means answering all parts of the task, staying relevant throughout and using an appropriate structure and style.
For example, if the task is to write an essay critiquing the cultural influence of Star Wars, but instead, you write a reflective piece on your own opinion of Star Trek, you won't get a very good grade as you've not completed the set assignment.
To make sure your work meets the task requirements:
You've been given an assignment title, but what is it actually asking? This activity takes you through the stages of analysing a question, breaking down an assignment title to clearly identify the task.
Choose an assignment title:
Below is an example question from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities to show you how to analyse a question to ensure that all elements of the task are addressed:
Describe how the presentation of gender in children's literature from the 1950s to the present has changed and critically evaluate how the development of feminist criticism has contributed to this change. Illustrate your answer with examples from the module material and wider reading.
In the above text, select the words or phrases that identify the two broad topics
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Describe how the presentation of gender in children's literature from the 1950s to the present has changed and critically evaluate how the development of feminist criticism has contributed to this change. Illustrate your answer with examples from the module material and wider reading.
In the essay question, click on the specific context you will need to look at.
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Describe how the presentation of gender in children's literature from the 1950s to the present has changed and critically evaluate how the development of feminist criticism has contributed to this change. Illustrate your answer with examples from the module material and wider reading.
Now click on the instructional words or phrases that indicate the tasks which need to be completed - there are three to identify.
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Describe how the presentation of gender in children's literature from the 1950s to the present has changed and critically evaluate how the development of feminist criticism has contributed to this change. Illustrate your answer with examples from the module material and wider reading.
Click on the part of the question which will get you the most marks and therefore should get the most attention.
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Below is an example question from the Faculty of Sciences to show you how to analyse a question to ensure that all elements of the task are addressed:
To what extent have approaches to environmental management contributed to our current position on energy production and use? Evaluate the ways in which these approaches may help to shape our energy strategy for the future.
In the essay question, click on the words or phrases that identify the broad topic you will need to discuss in your answer
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To what extent have approaches to environmental management contributed to our current position on energy production and use? Evaluate the ways in which these approaches may help to shape our energy strategy for the future.
In the essay question, click on the two words which specify the contexts you will need to look at.
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To what extent have approaches to environmental management contributed to our current position on energy production and use? Evaluate the ways in which these approaches may help to shape our energy strategy for the future.
Now click on the phrases or instructional words that indicate the tasks which need to be completed - there are two to identify.
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To what extent have approaches to environmental management contributed to our current position on energy production and use? Evaluate the ways in which these approaches may help to shape our energy strategy for the future.
Click on the part of the question which will get you the most marks and therefore should get the most attention
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Below is an example question from the Faculty of Social Sciences to show you how to analyse a question to ensure that all elements of the task are addressed:
Outline the ways in which young people criminally offend in society and how restorative justice seeks to modify such behaviour. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of restorative justice in terms of rehabilitating young offenders and also protecting the public.
In the essay question, click on the words or phrases that identify the broad topics you will need to discuss in your answer
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Outline the ways in which young people criminally offend in society and how restorative justice seeks to modify such behaviour. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of restorative justice in terms of rehabilitating young offenders and also protecting the public.
In the essay question, click on the phrase which specifies the context you will need to look at.
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Outline the ways in which young people criminally offend in society and how restorative justice seeks to modify such behaviour. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of restorative justice in terms of rehabilitating young offenders and also protecting the public.
Now select the phrases or instructional words that indicate the tasks which need to be completed - there are two to identify
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Outline the ways in which young people criminally offend in society and how restorative justice seeks to modify such behaviour. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of restorative justice in terms of rehabilitating young offenders and also protecting the public.
Click on the part of the question which will get you the most marks and therefore should get the most attention.
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Once you've understood the task requirements, done some reading and come up with some ideas for what to include, you can start mapping out your assignment structure.
A good plan is key for a well-structured assignment - don't just launch into writing with no idea of where you're going!
This planning stage can also be a useful opportunity to think more deeply about the assignment and consider how the different ideas fit together, so it can help you develop your argument.
It's ok to make changes to your plan later - you might come up with more ideas, or another line of argumentation while writing. Make sure that you check the structure is still logical though!
Find out more about planning the general structure of an assignment:
Everyone makes small mistakes and typos when they write; things like spelling mistakes, grammar or punctuation errors, incorrect referencing format or using the wrong word.
When you've spent a long time working on an assignment, you may not notice these small errors, so make sure to proofread (or check) your work carefully before you submit it. You don't want these mistakes to make it into your final assignment, as they can make it harder for the reader to understand your points and could affect your grade.
Our top proofreading tips:
Here are some specific things you can look out for in proofreading:
It's very important that your citations and references are correct - this is something that markers will definitely be looking for!
Before you submit, check your referencing is correct:
More detailed advice:
Most assignments will be submitted through the Yorkshare VLE (Blackboard). You'll receive information on how to do this from your department.
For advice on using the submission points, see our dedicated guide:
Feedback on your work can show what you're doing well and identify areas that you need to work on. For example, if you receive feedback that your work isn't clearly organised, you could focus on planning carefully and using a logical structure in your next assignments.
Find out how to use your feedback to improve and advice in dealing with common issues in our assessment and feedback guide:
