How to Write an Assignment: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students

 1. Understand the Requirements

Before you even think about writing a single word, take a step back and make sure you understand exactly what’s being asked of you. This is the part many students rush through—but skipping this can cost you marks. Every assignment comes with a set of instructions provided by your professor or course instructor. These instructions may include important details such as:

• The topic or theme you must explore
• The word count (minimum and maximum)
• The required referencing or citation style (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.)
• The formatting guidelines (font size, line spacing, margins)
• The type of assignment (essay, report, case study, literature review, etc.)
• The deadline and submission method (via email, online portal, printed copy, etc.)

Take the time to read the assignment brief slowly and carefully. Don’t just skim it—highlight or underline key requirements that you must meet. Missing even one instruction (like submitting in PDF when Word was asked for) could affect your grades unnecessarily.

2. Choose a Topic (If Applicable)

In some cases, your assignment topic will be pre-decided. But in others—especially in higher education—you might be asked to choose your own topic within a broader subject area.

If you’re given the freedom to select your own topic, consider it an opportunity to engage with something you genuinely find interesting. When you’re passionate or curious about a topic, it becomes far easier to stay focused and motivated throughout the research and writing process.

Here’s how to choose a great assignment topic:

• Pick a subject you’re interested in – Whether it’s a current issue, a trending topic, or something related to your career goals, choosing something you like makes the writing more enjoyable.
• Ensure it’s relevant to your course – Don’t drift too far from what your assignment is actually meant to assess. Check the learning outcomes or unit themes if you’re unsure.
• Check the availability of sources – A great topic needs strong supporting material. Do a quick search on Google Scholar, your college library, or trusted journals to see if there’s enough research available to back up your arguments. 

  Once your topic is selected, get it approved by your professor (if required), and move on to the next step.

3. Research the Topic

Now comes one of the most important and time-consuming steps in assignment writing: research. This is where you gather all the information, data, theories, arguments, and examples that will form the backbone of your assignment. High-quality assignments are built on high-quality research. That means using credible and academic sources, not just random websites or Wikipedia.

Here are some reliable research sources you should consider:

• Textbooks and lecture notes – Start with what you’ve already learned in class. Your professor may expect you to reference core course materials.
• Academic journals – These are peer-reviewed articles that provide in-depth insights on specific topics. Use platforms like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or your university’s digital library to access them.
• Government publications and reports – These are excellent for getting statistics, policy data, and formal insights.
• Reputable websites and news outlets – Only use information from well-known and credible sources (e.g., BBC, The Guardian, WHO, etc.).

As you research, make sure to take organized notes. Use color-coded highlights or apps like Notion, Zotero, or Evernote to keep your references sorted. Most importantly, keep track of your sources—you’ll need to cite them later.

Avoid the temptation to just copy-paste. Read, understand, and paraphrase the information in your own words. This helps you avoid plagiarism and shows that you really grasp the material.