University of Technology, Mauritius

Guidelines on Writing Assignments

1. Format: Assignments must be word-processed in 12 point Arial with 1.5 spacing.

2. Structure. The assignment should be structured as follows:
 Cover page:
 Name of University
 Name of School
 Name of Module
 Module Code
 Student’s Name
 Student ID
 Cohort
 Lecturer’s Name
 Date of submission of assignment
 Title of Question and Table of Contents: 1 page for each Question
 Question 1: Answer— approx. 3 pages or 1000 words
 Question 2: Answer— approx. 3 pages or 1000 words

3. Bibliography / References. You should use the Harvard Method of Referencing at the
end of every Question. You should also put references to your lecturer’s lecture notes
(Lecturer’s surname and name, lecture number and title of the lecture).

4. Organization
 Take a couple of minutes and make an answer plan. Jot down the main ideas /
arguments to be included in the answer.
 Answer a new Question on a fresh page.
 Ensure that the Question Number is properly inserted.
 Each answer should begin with an Introduction and a Conclusion. Marks (1.5 or 2
marks) are allocated for both Introduction and Conclusion.
 Break your answer into paragraphs (of 7- 10 lines).
 Leave double (white) spacing between paragraphs.
 Give a heading or sub-heading to every main Concept / Idea/ Argument used.
 Ensure that your arguments have a logical structure and have a coherent flow.

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5. Relevance: Ensure that your answer is relevant. You are strongly advised not to
download information from the internet. You are likely to go irrelevant. The lecture
notes are comprehensive enough to help you answer the questions. Of course, you will
need to consult your recommended textbook(s) and relevant magazines / journals for
supplementary writing materials. You are advised to do in-depth reading on every topic.

6. Editing: Edit your assignment before submission. Make sure there are no grammatical
mistakes; sentences are well constructed, etc.

7. Stapling of answer scripts. Ensure that you answer scripts are properly stapled in order
of page number.

8. Terminology used in Questions:

 Examine. Discuss. Explain. Describe. Questions using these words test knowledge
and understanding.
 Identify. Illustrate. Suggest. Questions using these words test the skills of
application and interpretation.
 Assess. To what extent….? Critically discuss. Evaluate. Compare and Contrast.
Here the skills of analysis and evaluation are tested.
Examples. Advantages and disadvantages; strengths and weaknesses; arguments
for and against; merits and shortcomings; importance of; an alternative
interpretation; criticisms of, etc.

9. Finally, you may wish to bear in mind the above guidelines, as applicable, when you are
taking your class test as well as your exam.

Good luck!!

D. Sookhoo 22 April 2016

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