You will encounter many different assessment types throughout your studies, each with unique challenges and requirements. While the structure guide gives you the building blocks to create an assessment in general, this guide covers the distinct structures and characteristics of different assessment types and common errors that students make.
In brief, each assessment type has a different purpose and, as a result, different elements are required for each:
An annotated bibliography is a critical analysis of the scholarly work in a field and its relevance to a particular topic or question. Unlike standard bibliographies, it requires you to evaluate each source’s research methods, summarise and assess its arguments, and consider how it does/does not fit in with your research.
White annotated bibliographies and literature reviews may seem similar, it is important not to confuse them. In an annotated bibliography, sources are reviewed and written about individually and should not make references to other works. In comparison, a literature review is a synthesis of multiple sources, where the intention is to make connections and build an overview of a topic.
An annotated bibliography assesses your ability to critically review sources for their individual strengths, weaknesses, arguments and findings. It demonstrates your ability to collect a comprehensive selection of sources and may be completed as a step to a longer work, such as a report or literature review.
Top tip!
You can search the reference list of useful articles for related research that may be useful for your own bibliography. However, while this is useful, ensure that you utilise the Library catalogue and expand your search beyond the citations found in a single article.
When reviewing and evaluating each item in your bibliography, you should take separate notes before compiling each ‘annotation’. A particularly effective note-taking style for an annotated bibliography is the Cornell note-taking process, which we cover in detail in our Note-Taking guide. You may also find the NVivo tool useful.
Ensure that you identify the following elements when taking notes for an annotated bibliography:
As you compile the annotations, you may notice additional pieces of information about sources you have previously read (e.g. an idea about another source). Ensure you have made notes on all sources you will be using before you begin writing your annotations. Annotations should not be longer than a single paragraph. As you are addressing one source at a time, do not cross-reference or refer to other sources.
If you are having trouble with any of these areas, view the rest of the writing guide or book an appointment with a Peer Academic Mentor.
A case study involves an in-depth examination of a specific subject or scenario, analysing its complexities and offering insights into real-world (or hypothetical) problems or situations. Often, it will focus on a representative person, group of people, or other samples. A case study will generally relate to theories or methods in your chosen field of study and their applications in the broader context of your discipline. It is common for case studies to be focused on solving a particular problem and thus include potential solutions to problems or recommendations for action.
The purpose of a case study is to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and is valuable in helping you prepare for professional practice. They require you to think critically, analyse complex issues, and develop effective problem-solving skills.
Case studies are divided into sections with subheadings, allowing the reader to jump to specific points of interest. This allows you to present information you have gathered or researched about a particular topic in a way your reader easily understands.
There are different types of case studies and ways to structure the information, so it is important to check your assessment instructions, suggested structure, and assessment criteria/marking rubric.
A typical case study will be structured as follows:
The introduction of your case study should provide a concise overview of your study’s subject, background, and objectives. Clearly state the problem or issue you will be addressing and outline the purpose of the case study.
In this section, you establish the context for your investigation. Critically examine existing research and scholarly articles relevant to your case study topic. Identify key theories, concepts, and findings that relate to your study. Analyse the gaps or controversies in the literature that your case study aims to address.
Present the findings of your case study in a clear and organised manner. Use a combination of text, tables, and figures to illustrate your results. Describe any patterns, trends, or significant observations. Make sure to align your findings with the purpose or objectives of the research outlined in the introduction. Describe any research methods you used to enhance the credibility of your results, including data collection and analysis.
In the discussion section, interpret and analyse your findings about the existing literature. Explore the implications of your results and discuss any limitations or constraints in your study. Consider alternative explanations for your findings and address their significance. Engage in a critical reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of your approach.
Conclude your case study by summarising the key findings and their implications. Recommend future research or practical applications based on your study’s outcomes. Clearly state your case study’s contributions to the existing body of knowledge and suggest avenues for further exploration.
List all the sources cited in your case study. Ensure that you adhere to the correct referencing style specified by your instructor. Pay careful attention to the accuracy and formatting of your references, as this enhances the credibility and professionalism of your work.
Attach any supplementary materials, such as raw data, questionnaires, or additional information that supports and complements your case study. Ensure that each appendix is labelled and referenced appropriately within the main text.
If you need help with any of these areas, view the rest of the writing guide or book an appointment with a Peer Academic Mentor.
An essay is a written work that presents a coherent argument, analysis, or discussion on a particular topic.
While most essays aim to inform the reader about a particular topic, the specific purpose will depend on the type of essay.
A fundamental part of any essay is a thesis statement.
A thesis statement is a concise, specific sentence that articulates the main point or claim of an essay or research paper. It serves as a roadmap for your readers, outlining the central idea you will explore and support throughout your writing.
It is recommended that you create a simple thesis statement before you begin writing to help create a roadmap for your work. As you construct your work, you should revise and refine it as necessary.
A formula for creating simple but effective thesis statements is the opening statement plus three (OS+3) method. This involves directly rephrasing the assessment question to reflect your overall position and providing the three main themes/ideas that your assessment will cover.
Once you have planned out what your assessment will include, you can return to the introduction to write the thesis statement.
Simple thesis statement example
Artificial intelligence is an overall harm to humankind due to job displacement, decreased privacy, and the increase in fake news and disinformation.
Expanded thesis statement example
Ultimately, artificial intelligence will benefit humankind; however, precautions should be taken to mitigate potential harm. This can be accomplished in several ways, including government regulations for the ethical collection and use of data, increased education for the public on the use of AI, and investment in job protection for our future workforce.
To create a strong thesis statement, you should:
A typical essay will be structured as follows:
The introduction of your essay serves as the roadmap for your reader. Begin with a compelling hook to grab attention, then provide context for your topic, articulate the thesis statement (your essay’s main argument or purpose), and outline the key points you will address in the body. The introduction sets the tone and establishes the direction for the entire essay.
The body of your essay is where you present your argument, evidence, and analysis. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or aspect of your thesis statement. Start with a clear topic sentence, support it with evidence or examples, and then provide analysis or interpretation to demonstrate how it relates to your overall argument. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs, creating a cohesive flow that guides the reader through your logical progression of ideas.
The conclusion is your opportunity to reinforce the significance of your argument and provide a sense of closure. Summarise the key points discussed in the body, emphasising how they support your thesis. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. Instead, offer broader insights or implications related to your topic. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action to reinforce the importance of your essay’s main message.
List all the sources cited in your case study. Ensure that you adhere to the correct referencing style specified by your instructor. Pay careful attention to the accuracy and formatting of your references, as this enhances the credibility and professionalism of your work.
If you need help with any of these areas, view the rest of the writing guide or book an appointment with a Peer Academic Mentor.
A literature review is a critical analysis of published sources within a specific field of study. It may be a standalone piece of writing or form part of a report, thesis or other research project.
The purpose of a literature review is to synthesise and summarise key findings, concepts, theories, and methodologies from multiple sources. It is useful in identifying ongoing debates, controversies, or conflicting viewpoints within the field, as well as gaps or areas where there is limited research.
When a literature review is written as part of a research project, it helps place your research or study within the context of the existing body of knowledge. It can provide a foundation for the theoretical underpinnings of your research, help justify the research questions or hypotheses you intend to explore in your study, and can inform your research design and methodology.
A typical literature review will be structured as follows:
Begin your literature review with a concise introduction that contextualises the topic, outlines the scope of the review, and articulates the purpose or objective. Clearly state the research questions or themes you aim to address, providing a roadmap for the reader to follow your exploration of relevant scholarly work.
In the body of your literature review, organise the existing literature around key themes, concepts, or debates related to your research questions. Summarise and synthesise findings from different sources, highlighting similarities, differences, and gaps in the current knowledge. Critically evaluate the methodologies and approaches used in the studies you review, emphasising the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Engage in a thoughtful discussion of the literature, synthesising the information to identify patterns, trends, or inconsistencies. Analyse how different studies contribute to the understanding of your research questions and discuss any controversies or unresolved issues in the literature. This section should demonstrate your ability to think critically and make connections between diverse sources.
Conclude your literature review by summarising the main findings, emphasising their significance in the context of your research objectives. Highlight any gaps in the literature that your study aims to address and suggest potential avenues for future research. A well-constructed conclusion reinforces the importance of your research and sets the stage for developing your own work.
List of all the sources cited in your literature review. Ensure that you adhere to the correct referencing style specified by your instructor. Pay careful attention to the accuracy and formatting of your references, as this enhances the credibility and professionalism of your work.
If you need help with any of these areas, view the rest of the writing guide or book an appointment with a Peer Academic Mentor.
Reflective writing requires individuals to reflect upon and explore their thoughts, experiences, opinions, and emotions on a particular topic, event, or subject matter. Although you should write more informally and include your personal perspective more, it is still important to organise your ideas clearly.
When reflective writing, you need to critically analyse and evaluate your experiences and ideas, question your assumptions, and consider alternative viewpoints. You need to connect your personal experiences to broader concepts and theories, and the course content. Integrating personal and academic content helps deepen your self-awareness and understanding of your experience and learning.
Using a reflective writing model will help you structure your reflection effectively and ensure that your writing is critical and authentic.
Check your assessment information before writing to see if a particular model has been recommended.
Gibb’s Reflective Cycle is a popular model of reflective thinking and writing, which encourages people to consider their experiences in a more in-depth and analytical way.
When using the Gibb’s model, ensure that you are using critical thinking and analysis skills, reflecting on assumptions that you may hold, and considering how you would respond differently in future.
If you need help with any of these areas, view the rest of the writing guide or book an appointment with a Peer Academic Mentor.
A report is a structured document that systematically gathers, analyses, and presents information on a specific topic, issue, event, or research question.
The purpose of a report will depend on the context. In general, however, reports aim to convey information, data, findings and analysis in a structured and organised manner. Reports often include tables, charts, graphs, and other visual aids to illustrate data and findings. They are usually tailored to the needs and expectations of the intended audience.
There are many different types of reports, including:
A typical report will be structured as follows:
The executive summary provides a concise overview of the entire report, summarising key findings, conclusions, and recommendations. It serves as a snapshot, offering a quick understanding of the report’s purpose and outcomes.
The introduction sets the stage for the report, outlining the background, purpose, and objectives. Clearly state the problem or question the report aims to address and provide a brief roadmap for the reader to follow, previewing the key sections and the scope of the investigation.
Present the information or data gathered during the research phase in a clear and organised manner. Use tables, graphs, or charts if necessary to enhance understanding. Ensure that the findings directly address the research questions or objectives outlined in the introduction.
In the discussion section, interpret and analyse the findings, providing context and insight. Explore relationships between different elements of the data, consider alternative explanations, and critically evaluate the significance of the results. This section aims to deepen the reader’s understanding of the presented information.
Summarise the report’s main points and key findings, emphasising their implications. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead focus on synthesising the existing content to reinforce the overall message.
Offer specific recommendations based on the findings and conclusions of the report. These suggestions should be actionable and linked directly to the issues discussed, providing a practical guide for decision-makers or stakeholders.
List of all sources cited in the report. Ensure that you adhere to the correct referencing style specified by your instructor. Pay careful attention to the accuracy and formatting of your references, as this enhances the credibility and professionalism of your work.
Attach supplementary materials that support or enhance the report, such as raw data, additional charts, graphs, or detailed explanations. Clearly label and reference each appendix within the main body of the report to facilitate easy navigation for the reader.
If you are having trouble with any of these areas, view the rest of the writing guide or book an appointment with a Peer Academic Mentor.
There are many other written assessment types you may be assessed on at university. We have outlined some of the more common ones below.
A brief and concise response to a specific question or prompt, typically requiring a focused and direct reply without extensive elaboration or explanation.
A written contribution to an online forum or platform where individuals share thoughts, ideas, opinions, or information about a specific topic or question, fostering interactive and collaborative conversation.
A short, informal, and often opinion-based piece of online content that explores a specific topic, provides information, or shares personal insights, designed to engage and inform readers.
A curated collection of work, artefacts, or achievements that showcases an individual’s skills, experiences, and accomplishments, often used for professional, educational, or creative purposes.
A task or project that encourages individuals to express themselves artistically or imaginatively, often involving the creation of original works such as writing, artwork, music, or multimedia presentations.
A collaborative task or assessment that involves multiple individuals working together to achieve a common goal, often requiring teamwork, coordination, and shared responsibilities.
A verbal and visual communication of information or ideas, typically delivered to an audience using spoken words, visual aids, and often accompanied by slides or other media.