sample assignment structure

For any assignment always check with your lecturer if they require a specific structure. If your lecturer has given you specific instructions about how to organise your assignment, make sure you follow them. Academic assignments usually follow an established organisational structure that has, at a minimum, an .

When you have completed your research you should be in a position to prepare an outline plan for the assignment. The outline plan is a more structured and detailed plan than the initial plan you created at the brainstorming stage. It should give you a step-by-step overview of the assignment.

Download a copy  or click on the image above.

This template is designed to assist you with the collection and organisation of information into your notes and to plan the structure of your work before you start writing your first draft. The Assignment Planning - Guidelines has four stages:

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by Gordon Harvey

Students often do their best and hardest thinking, and feel the greatest sense of mastery and growth, in their writing. Courses and assignments should be planned with this in mind. Three principles are paramount:

1. Name what you want and imagine students doing it

However free students are to range and explore in a paper, the general kind of paper you’re inviting has common components, operations, and criteria of success, and you should make these explicit. Having satisfied yourself, as you should, that what you’re asking is doable, with dignity, by writers just learning the material, try to anticipate in your prompt or discussions of the assignment the following queries:

• What is the purpose of this? How am I going beyond what we have done, or applying it in a new area, or practicing a key academic skill or kind of work?
• To what audience should I imagine myself writing?
• What is the main task or tasks, in a nutshell? What does that key word (e.g., analyze, significance of, critique, explore, interesting, support) really mean in this context or this field?
• What will be most challenging in this and what qualities will most distinguish a good paper? Where should I put my energy? (Lists of possible questions for students to answer in a paper are often not sufficiently prioritized to be helpful.)
• What misconceptions might I have about what I’m to do? (How is this like or unlike other papers I may have written?) Are there too-easy approaches I might take or likely pitfalls? An ambitious goal or standard that I might think I’m expected to meet but am not?
• What form will evidence take in my paper (e.g., block quotations? paraphrase? graphs or charts?) How should I cite it? Should I use/cite material from lecture or section?
• Are there some broad options for structure, emphasis, or approach that I’ll likely be choosing among?
• How should I get started on this? What would be a helpful (or unhelpful) way to take notes, gather data, discover a question or idea? Should I do research? 

2. Take time in class to prepare students to succeed at the paper

Resist the impulse to think of class meetings as time for “content” and of writing as work done outside class. Your students won’t have mastered the art of paper writing (if such a mastery is possible) and won’t know the particular disciplinary expectations or moves relevant to the material at hand. Take time in class to show them: 

• discuss the assignment in class when you give it, so students can see that you take it seriously, so they can ask questions about it, so they can have it in mind during subsequent class discussions;
• introduce the analytic vocabulary of your assignment into class discussions, and take opportunities to note relevant moves made in discussion or good paper topics that arise;
• have students practice key tasks in class discussions, or in informal writing they do in before or after discussions;
• show examples of writing that illustrates components and criteria of the assignment and that inspires (class readings can sometimes serve as illustrations of a writing principle; so can short excerpts of writing—e.g., a sampling of introductions; and so can bad writing—e.g., a list of problematic thesis statements);
• the topics of originality and plagiarism (what the temptations might be, how to avoid risks) should at some point be addressed directly. 

3. Build in process

Ideas develop over time, in a process of posing and revising and getting feedback and revising some more. Assignments should allow for this process in the following ways:

• smaller assignments should prepare for larger ones later;
• students should do some thinking and writing before they write a draft and get a response to it (even if only a response to a proposal or thesis statement sent by email, or described in class);
• for larger papers, students should write and get response (using the skills vocabulary of the assignment) to a draft—at least an “oral draft” (condensed for delivery to the class);
• if possible, meet with students individually about their writing: nothing inspires them more than feeling that you care about their work and development;
• let students reflect on their own writing, in brief cover letters attached to drafts and revisions (these may also ask students to perform certain checks on what they have written, before submitting);
• have clear and firm policies about late work that nonetheless allow for exception if students talk to you in advance.

• Pedagogy Workshops
• Responding to Student Writing
• Commenting Efficiently
• Vocabulary for Discussing Student Writing
• Guides to Teaching Writing
• HarvardWrites Instructor Toolkit
• Additional Resources for Teaching Fellows

Understanding Assignments

What this handout is about.

The first step in any successful college writing venture is reading the assignment. While this sounds like a simple task, it can be a tough one. This handout will help you unravel your assignment and begin to craft an effective response. Much of the following advice will involve translating typical assignment terms and practices into meaningful clues to the type of writing your instructor expects. See our short video for more tips.

Basic beginnings

Regardless of the assignment, department, or instructor, adopting these two habits will serve you well :

• Read the assignment carefully as soon as you receive it. Do not put this task off—reading the assignment at the beginning will save you time, stress, and problems later. An assignment can look pretty straightforward at first, particularly if the instructor has provided lots of information. That does not mean it will not take time and effort to complete; you may even have to learn a new skill to complete the assignment.
• Ask the instructor about anything you do not understand. Do not hesitate to approach your instructor. Instructors would prefer to set you straight before you hand the paper in. That’s also when you will find their feedback most useful.

Assignment formats

Many assignments follow a basic format. Assignments often begin with an overview of the topic, include a central verb or verbs that describe the task, and offer some additional suggestions, questions, or prompts to get you started.

An Overview of Some Kind

The instructor might set the stage with some general discussion of the subject of the assignment, introduce the topic, or remind you of something pertinent that you have discussed in class. For example:

“Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics,” or “In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly …”

The Task of the Assignment

Pay attention; this part tells you what to do when you write the paper. Look for the key verb or verbs in the sentence. Words like analyze, summarize, or compare direct you to think about your topic in a certain way. Also pay attention to words such as how, what, when, where, and why; these words guide your attention toward specific information. (See the section in this handout titled “Key Terms” for more information.)

“Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution”, or “Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin’s.”

Additional Material to Think about

Here you will find some questions to use as springboards as you begin to think about the topic. Instructors usually include these questions as suggestions rather than requirements. Do not feel compelled to answer every question unless the instructor asks you to do so. Pay attention to the order of the questions. Sometimes they suggest the thinking process your instructor imagines you will need to follow to begin thinking about the topic.

“You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils, or Can there be such a thing as ‘the housefly garment industry’ or is it just a home-based craft?”

These are the instructor’s comments about writing expectations:

“Be concise”, “Write effectively”, or “Argue furiously.”

Technical Details

These instructions usually indicate format rules or guidelines.

“Your paper must be typed in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on the anniversary of Mao Tse-tung’s death.”

The assignment’s parts may not appear in exactly this order, and each part may be very long or really short. Nonetheless, being aware of this standard pattern can help you understand what your instructor wants you to do.

Interpreting the assignment

Ask yourself a few basic questions as you read and jot down the answers on the assignment sheet:

Why did your instructor ask you to do this particular task?

Who is your audience.

• What kind of evidence do you need to support your ideas?

What kind of writing style is acceptable?

• What are the absolute rules of the paper?

Try to look at the question from the point of view of the instructor. Recognize that your instructor has a reason for giving you this assignment and for giving it to you at a particular point in the semester. In every assignment, the instructor has a challenge for you. This challenge could be anything from demonstrating an ability to think clearly to demonstrating an ability to use the library. See the assignment not as a vague suggestion of what to do but as an opportunity to show that you can handle the course material as directed. Paper assignments give you more than a topic to discuss—they ask you to do something with the topic. Keep reminding yourself of that. Be careful to avoid the other extreme as well: do not read more into the assignment than what is there.

Of course, your instructor has given you an assignment so that they will be able to assess your understanding of the course material and give you an appropriate grade. But there is more to it than that. Your instructor has tried to design a learning experience of some kind. Your instructor wants you to think about something in a particular way for a particular reason. If you read the course description at the beginning of your syllabus, review the assigned readings, and consider the assignment itself, you may begin to see the plan, purpose, or approach to the subject matter that your instructor has created for you. If you still aren’t sure of the assignment’s goals, try asking the instructor. For help with this, see our handout on getting feedback .

Given your instructor’s efforts, it helps to answer the question: What is my purpose in completing this assignment? Is it to gather research from a variety of outside sources and present a coherent picture? Is it to take material I have been learning in class and apply it to a new situation? Is it to prove a point one way or another? Key words from the assignment can help you figure this out. Look for key terms in the form of active verbs that tell you what to do.

Key Terms: Finding Those Active Verbs

Here are some common key words and definitions to help you think about assignment terms:

Information words Ask you to demonstrate what you know about the subject, such as who, what, when, where, how, and why.

• define —give the subject’s meaning (according to someone or something). Sometimes you have to give more than one view on the subject’s meaning
• describe —provide details about the subject by answering question words (such as who, what, when, where, how, and why); you might also give details related to the five senses (what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell)
• explain —give reasons why or examples of how something happened
• illustrate —give descriptive examples of the subject and show how each is connected with the subject
• summarize —briefly list the important ideas you learned about the subject
• trace —outline how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form
• research —gather material from outside sources about the subject, often with the implication or requirement that you will analyze what you have found

Relation words Ask you to demonstrate how things are connected.

• compare —show how two or more things are similar (and, sometimes, different)
• contrast —show how two or more things are dissimilar
• apply —use details that you’ve been given to demonstrate how an idea, theory, or concept works in a particular situation
• cause —show how one event or series of events made something else happen
• relate —show or describe the connections between things

Interpretation words Ask you to defend ideas of your own about the subject. Do not see these words as requesting opinion alone (unless the assignment specifically says so), but as requiring opinion that is supported by concrete evidence. Remember examples, principles, definitions, or concepts from class or research and use them in your interpretation.

• assess —summarize your opinion of the subject and measure it against something
• prove, justify —give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is the truth
• evaluate, respond —state your opinion of the subject as good, bad, or some combination of the two, with examples and reasons
• support —give reasons or evidence for something you believe (be sure to state clearly what it is that you believe)
• synthesize —put two or more things together that have not been put together in class or in your readings before; do not just summarize one and then the other and say that they are similar or different—you must provide a reason for putting them together that runs all the way through the paper
• analyze —determine how individual parts create or relate to the whole, figure out how something works, what it might mean, or why it is important
• argue —take a side and defend it with evidence against the other side

More Clues to Your Purpose As you read the assignment, think about what the teacher does in class:

• What kinds of textbooks or coursepack did your instructor choose for the course—ones that provide background information, explain theories or perspectives, or argue a point of view?
• In lecture, does your instructor ask your opinion, try to prove their point of view, or use keywords that show up again in the assignment?
• What kinds of assignments are typical in this discipline? Social science classes often expect more research. Humanities classes thrive on interpretation and analysis.
• How do the assignments, readings, and lectures work together in the course? Instructors spend time designing courses, sometimes even arguing with their peers about the most effective course materials. Figuring out the overall design to the course will help you understand what each assignment is meant to achieve.

Now, what about your reader? Most undergraduates think of their audience as the instructor. True, your instructor is a good person to keep in mind as you write. But for the purposes of a good paper, think of your audience as someone like your roommate: smart enough to understand a clear, logical argument, but not someone who already knows exactly what is going on in your particular paper. Remember, even if the instructor knows everything there is to know about your paper topic, they still have to read your paper and assess your understanding. In other words, teach the material to your reader.

Aiming a paper at your audience happens in two ways: you make decisions about the tone and the level of information you want to convey.

• Tone means the “voice” of your paper. Should you be chatty, formal, or objective? Usually you will find some happy medium—you do not want to alienate your reader by sounding condescending or superior, but you do not want to, um, like, totally wig on the man, you know? Eschew ostentatious erudition: some students think the way to sound academic is to use big words. Be careful—you can sound ridiculous, especially if you use the wrong big words.
• The level of information you use depends on who you think your audience is. If you imagine your audience as your instructor and they already know everything you have to say, you may find yourself leaving out key information that can cause your argument to be unconvincing and illogical. But you do not have to explain every single word or issue. If you are telling your roommate what happened on your favorite science fiction TV show last night, you do not say, “First a dark-haired white man of average height, wearing a suit and carrying a flashlight, walked into the room. Then a purple alien with fifteen arms and at least three eyes turned around. Then the man smiled slightly. In the background, you could hear a clock ticking. The room was fairly dark and had at least two windows that I saw.” You also do not say, “This guy found some aliens. The end.” Find some balance of useful details that support your main point.

You’ll find a much more detailed discussion of these concepts in our handout on audience .

The Grim Truth

With a few exceptions (including some lab and ethnography reports), you are probably being asked to make an argument. You must convince your audience. It is easy to forget this aim when you are researching and writing; as you become involved in your subject matter, you may become enmeshed in the details and focus on learning or simply telling the information you have found. You need to do more than just repeat what you have read. Your writing should have a point, and you should be able to say it in a sentence. Sometimes instructors call this sentence a “thesis” or a “claim.”

So, if your instructor tells you to write about some aspect of oral hygiene, you do not want to just list: “First, you brush your teeth with a soft brush and some peanut butter. Then, you floss with unwaxed, bologna-flavored string. Finally, gargle with bourbon.” Instead, you could say, “Of all the oral cleaning methods, sandblasting removes the most plaque. Therefore it should be recommended by the American Dental Association.” Or, “From an aesthetic perspective, moldy teeth can be quite charming. However, their joys are short-lived.”

Convincing the reader of your argument is the goal of academic writing. It doesn’t have to say “argument” anywhere in the assignment for you to need one. Look at the assignment and think about what kind of argument you could make about it instead of just seeing it as a checklist of information you have to present. For help with understanding the role of argument in academic writing, see our handout on argument .

What kind of evidence do you need?

There are many kinds of evidence, and what type of evidence will work for your assignment can depend on several factors–the discipline, the parameters of the assignment, and your instructor’s preference. Should you use statistics? Historical examples? Do you need to conduct your own experiment? Can you rely on personal experience? See our handout on evidence for suggestions on how to use evidence appropriately.

Make sure you are clear about this part of the assignment, because your use of evidence will be crucial in writing a successful paper. You are not just learning how to argue; you are learning how to argue with specific types of materials and ideas. Ask your instructor what counts as acceptable evidence. You can also ask a librarian for help. No matter what kind of evidence you use, be sure to cite it correctly—see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .

You cannot always tell from the assignment just what sort of writing style your instructor expects. The instructor may be really laid back in class but still expect you to sound formal in writing. Or the instructor may be fairly formal in class and ask you to write a reflection paper where you need to use “I” and speak from your own experience.

Try to avoid false associations of a particular field with a style (“art historians like wacky creativity,” or “political scientists are boring and just give facts”) and look instead to the types of readings you have been given in class. No one expects you to write like Plato—just use the readings as a guide for what is standard or preferable to your instructor. When in doubt, ask your instructor about the level of formality they expect.

No matter what field you are writing for or what facts you are including, if you do not write so that your reader can understand your main idea, you have wasted your time. So make clarity your main goal. For specific help with style, see our handout on style .

Technical details about the assignment

The technical information you are given in an assignment always seems like the easy part. This section can actually give you lots of little hints about approaching the task. Find out if elements such as page length and citation format (see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial ) are negotiable. Some professors do not have strong preferences as long as you are consistent and fully answer the assignment. Some professors are very specific and will deduct big points for deviations.

Usually, the page length tells you something important: The instructor thinks the size of the paper is appropriate to the assignment’s parameters. In plain English, your instructor is telling you how many pages it should take for you to answer the question as fully as you are expected to. So if an assignment is two pages long, you cannot pad your paper with examples or reword your main idea several times. Hit your one point early, defend it with the clearest example, and finish quickly. If an assignment is ten pages long, you can be more complex in your main points and examples—and if you can only produce five pages for that assignment, you need to see someone for help—as soon as possible.

Tricks that don’t work

Your instructors are not fooled when you:

• spend more time on the cover page than the essay —graphics, cool binders, and cute titles are no replacement for a well-written paper.
• use huge fonts, wide margins, or extra spacing to pad the page length —these tricks are immediately obvious to the eye. Most instructors use the same word processor you do. They know what’s possible. Such tactics are especially damning when the instructor has a stack of 60 papers to grade and yours is the only one that low-flying airplane pilots could read.
• use a paper from another class that covered “sort of similar” material . Again, the instructor has a particular task for you to fulfill in the assignment that usually relates to course material and lectures. Your other paper may not cover this material, and turning in the same paper for more than one course may constitute an Honor Code violation . Ask the instructor—it can’t hurt.
• get all wacky and “creative” before you answer the question . Showing that you are able to think beyond the boundaries of a simple assignment can be good, but you must do what the assignment calls for first. Again, check with your instructor. A humorous tone can be refreshing for someone grading a stack of papers, but it will not get you a good grade if you have not fulfilled the task.

Critical reading of assignments leads to skills in other types of reading and writing. If you get good at figuring out what the real goals of assignments are, you are going to be better at understanding the goals of all of your classes and fields of study.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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While there are different types of written assignments , most academic writing has a similar structure comprising of:

• Introduction—acts as a roadmap for the reader.
• Body—presents points to support your argument.
• Conclusion—summarises main points discussed.

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The introduction helps your reader understand where you’re going in your assignment, how you will get there and what they will see along the way.

An introduction should include:

• topic sentence—outline the most important concepts relevant to answering the question
• aim—indicate the focus or purpose of the assignment
• scope—mention any limits of your assignment. What will you emphasise? Will you intentionally leave anything out?
• structure—signal how you will present information in the assignment, and the order the key points will appear
• thesis statement—clearly identify your argument.

The body consists of paragraphs structured to reflect your critical thinking about the question and the chosen order for presenting your argument.

Each paragraph should include:

• topic sentence—starts each paragraph and expresses the main idea of the paragraph
• evidence and examples—contains explanations to support the key point of the paragraph. Supporting evidence is used to justify, explain or develop your argument.
• concluding sentence—links the main idea of the paragraph back to your argument and to the assignment topic.

The number of paragraphs in your essay will depend upon the length of your essay, and the number of points you wish to argue.

The conclusion comes at the end of your assignment, summarising the main points discussed.

Importantly, your conclusion should:

• contain no new ideas or information
• briefly list your key points
• relate main points directly back to the question or argument.

You might also make future recommendations, evaluate your argument or forecast patterns of change.

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Assignment writing guides and samples

If you're looking for useful guides for assignment writing and language skills check out our range of study skills resources

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• Sample critical review [PDF 260KB] . A sample of a critical review that includes an annotated structure for your reference. 
• Sample of an investigative report [PDF 500KB] . A resource for science, engineering and technology students. How to write an investigative report, including an annotated format. 
• How to edit your work [PDF 189KB] . A guide for all students about how to edit and review their work.  
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• How to edit your work [PDF 189KB] . A guide for all students about how to edit and review their work. 
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How to Write an Assignment: Structure and Writing Hints

Updated 18 Apr 2024

Table of contents

What Steps Should Each Student Take to Write an Assignment?

Assignment writing template structure example, introduction / intro paragraph, body paragraphs, what to include and how to write assignment outline, 10 expert tips for writing an assignment, just a little bit of help from writing experts.

No matter what kind of assignment one should write as a student, it always involves certain structure and requirements. It’s no wonder that some of us may find it difficult to cope with all formatting rules and grading rubrics. Knowing how to write an assignment right is not as complex as it may seem when you understand each part of the task! From Introduction and Body Paragraphs to Thesis statement and Conclusion, writing assignments have elements that easily tell well-written assignment from poor text.

Turning to our expert writers at EduBirdie, we have compiled checklist of things that student should mind while working on assignment. Check each part to realize that even complex writing assignments are not that bad anymore!

The most important thing is careful planning. While each university student may have personal rules, basic structure should always include:

• Studying grading rubric, understanding formatting as well as word count limits
• Finding good assignment or dissertation topics unless it is specified.
• Finding sufficient, reliable sources to support arguments.
• Choosing strong thesis topic.
• Forming outline layout for an essay.
• Including as much information as possible in draft paper.
• Forming References / Works Cited page not after, but while you work.

Following these simple steps, students will have basic assignment structure that meets requirements, provides with tips to continue work. To get an idea of classic paper style and assignment format, let’s see writing template. Read into each bullet point while working step-by-step to know more about writing.

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Even though each type of written paper requires its own structure and rules to be followed, we have prepared classic structure that will meet requirements most of the time. Firstly, it’s required to understand how to write an introduction for an assignment.

• An Introduction is an important any paper part, therefore, it should have hook sentence that will instantly engage audience in essay or research. Introducing ideas, start with anecdote or known fact that’s approached from different angle.
• Make argument or statement that’s unusual or sufficient for debate.
• Keep introduction short, but insert short summary of what paper will reflect on.
• Introduce thesis statement as last sentence of introduction paragraph. Ensure it relates to paper topic idea as well as body paragraphs that follow.
• Classic plan usually involves from 3 to 5 body paragraphs, depending on final word count or essay type.
• Each body paragraph should revolve around one idea. There is academic rule that comes from professors that says: “One paragraph – one idea!”
• Start each body paragraph with topic sentence that makes statement or tells about following events.
• Always backup facts, provide information with reliable, peer-reviewed sources.
• How to do an assignment right? Use “Introduction / Analysis / Source / Own Voice / Conclusion” template. Start by introducing facts. Next, comes analysis, supported by source. Last part should be finished by your own considerations.
• In last body paragraph, include counter opinion or ideas that go against thesis. Always provide own opinion, explain why your own take is different.
• Conclusion for assignment is where thesis is restated. Write summary of what was learned or acquired as a result of research.
• Do not introduce any new ideas in conclusion part.
• If applicable, let audience know what additional research could be done.
• If student writes review or critique essay, make suggestions. In most universities, especially in Political Science and Healthcare, professors let students introduce suggestions or research proposals.
• Once again, provide strong statement, based on thesis to support main idea.

Read more: Looking for professional english assignment help ? Ask our experts for assistance.

Outline is what basically tells how to start an assignment by providing structure and layout that fit within required rules. In outline student should enclose:

• Intro paragraph that speaks of main idea, followed by strong thesis statement in italics.
• Headers of body paragraphs with short 1-2 sentences description.
• Opposing views paragraph with brief explanation.
• Conclusion paragraph header.
• Works Cited page.

Unless specified otherwise in Outline instructions, keep it within 1-2 pages. Majority of universities provide students with templates, yet in those cases when professor asks to write reflection paper, you are left to your own consideration.

• Always start with good topic research before working on an essay. Find topic that inspires or gives an opportunity to find good arguments.
• After choosing topic, start looking for academic as well as reliable sources. This is the most time-consuming part. Visit local university’s library or turn to online sources like academic journals and databases. If you struggle to find sufficient sources, switch topic or change the title of the existing idea.
• Research topic and come up with several thesis statements. Most universities in the put written assignments to their databases that works based on keywords. If thesis statement makes strong argument, it should have relevant keywords that make it easier to find for scientific community. As thesis statement is chosen, ensure it also relates to sources you have found before and be sure that now you know how to write an assignment.
• Always follow layout that you have presented in outline. Form body paragraphs in such way that allow sources to be placed in logical, clear way. Always keep balance of your own opinion and in-text citations (quotes).
• As you speak about certain facts, provide real-life examples or simulations. This way audience can understand and relate to your arguments and ideas. If it’s applicable, talk about your own experience, support statements with related research in same field.
• Add graphics, diagrams, appendix pages, and the footnotes. It makes written task credible for your target audience.
• Follow the formatting rules and check paper for structure, indents, headers, and fonts.
• While working with paper’s draft, present ideas and do not cut out weak parts yet. The purpose of draft is to include your ideas “as they are” and edit them later.
• Always proofread paper twice. The first time that you proofread text, make edits by taking best parts from lengthy draft. It is the time to edit paper, check it for grammar, punctuation, and logic. Act as director who do their work to complete the best cut. For second proofreading read aloud, so you can hear how it sounds, check whether it makes sense.
• If essay has title page and abstract, edit keywords if necessary, ensure you met requirements and wrote all target words.

Most university students avoid turning to help centres as they often start working with essays late at night or when deadlines are already around the corner. Still, even the best students need  online assignment help when search for academic sources becomes a problem. Sometimes you have essay due, but do not even know how to start an assignment or feel uncertain about formatting rules. What should student do and is there a person who can help 24/7?

At EduBirdie, we provide solutions to all these student challenges and even more. Browse the list of expert writers that can be filtered by subject, credentials, and list of works completed. If writer fits requirements, share written task details and communicate with writer directly, like " write my assignment for me , please". Providing transparency at every stage of work, be assured that you ae in control of your task.

From assistance in choosing of topic to finding good sources or proofreading paper for logic and structure, writing experts at EduBirdie can help immediately after you choose suitable writer. With Masters and PhD degrees of writers in our team, you can expect 100% plagiarism-free work that meets guidelines of even the most demanding tasks like HND assignment help . Don’t risk your future and live in anxiety when the assignment writing service can help you achieve the best!

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How can these samples help you.

The assignment writing samples we provide help you by showing you versions of the finished item. It’s like having a picture of the cake you’re aiming to make when following a recipe.

Assignments that you undertake are a key part of your academic life; they are the usual way of assessing your knowledge on the subject you’re studying.

There are various types of assignments: essays, annotated bibliographies, stand-alone literature reviews, reflective writing essays, etc. There will be a specific structure to follow for each of these. Before focusing on the structure, it is best to plan your assignment first. Your school will have its own guidelines and instructions, you should align with those. Start by selecting the essential aspects that need to be included in your assignment.

Based on what you understand from the assignment in question, evaluate the critical points that should be made. If the task is research-based, discuss your aims and objectives, research method, and results. For an argumentative essay, you need to construct arguments relevant to the thesis statement.

Your assignment should be constructed according to the outline’s different sections. This is where you might find our samples so helpful; inspect them to understand how to write your assignment.

Adding headings to sections can enhance the clarity of your assignment. They are like signposts telling the reader what’s coming next.

Where structure is concerned, our samples can be of benefit. The basic structure is of three parts: introduction, discussion, and conclusion. It is, however, advisable to follow the structural guidelines from your tutor.

For example, our master’s sample assignment includes lots of headings and sub-headings. Undergraduate assignments are shorter and present a statistical analysis only.

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• Experts Tips on College Assignment Formats & Structure with Examples

Experts Tips on College Assignment Formats & Structure with Examples

The first thing that every student should consider while beginning any assignment is a complete understanding of the assignment format. Depending upon the type of the assignment its structure and formatting requirements vary. Students are generally given guidelines from their professors regarding the assignment formatting such as file format, font, layout, word count, referencing style, headers, footers, numbering and heading requirements. In case you have no idea what should be the structure of your assignment, the following article presents some common assignment formats with examples.

Basic Structure Elements of an Assignment

Our online assignment help experts always suggest the students to at least maintain the generalized structure of the assignment if their instructor has not specified any format. A university assignment typically comprises of the following six sections. Along with these, there can be certain presentation schemes to be followed such as providing a proper referencing format, leaving adequate margins, line spacing, page numbers, and font style and font size.

• Table of Contents
• Introduction

Also Read: Assignment Cover Sheet Sample and Templates

Research Paper Assignment Format

A research paper is divided into the following parts:

•    Title of the Research
•    Abstract
•    Table of Contents
•    Introduction
•    Research Methodology
•    Findings and discussions
•    Conclusions
•    References and Citations
•    Appendices

The presentation of the research paper is based on the referencing format suggested by your college instructor. For instance, if you are using MLA referencing format you will name the source page as ‘Works Cited” while in case of APA format you will name it as ‘References”. Below you can find a sample MLA assignment format.

Essay Assignment Format

An essay consists of the following five parts. Below them, you can find a sample template elaborating the significance of each section.

•    Thesis Statement
•    Conclusion
•    Citations

You should always keep this basic format in mind while preparing your college essays. In this way, you will be able to divide your content accordingly. Each paragraph of an essay can also be divided into three parts namely, the topic sentence of the paragraph, the supporting details and the conclusion statement.

Project Report Assignment Format

A project report is generally a compulsory academic assignment for students. Most of the university professors prefer that the report should be written as per an academic standard. A project report has the following structure:

•    Title Page
•    Acknowledgement
•    Problem definition
•    Objective
•    Background
•    Methodology
•    Analysis
•    Discussion
•    Conclusion / Recommendations
•    References / Bibliography

Case Study Assignment Format

A case study assignment includes the following sections:

•    Background knowledge
•    Alternatives and constraints
•    Proposed Solutions
•    Recommendations

The following example of a case study assignment depicts the sections stated above. You can find more case study templates and our expert assignment help on writing an effective case study on our website. Our experts will provide you with a step by step guide to writing a case study assignment.

Article Review Assignment Format

The format of a review paper includes:

• Body (Subtopics)

The college students are expected to use a standardized referencing system such as APA, AMA, MLA, Chicago etc. Each section has an appropriate word count associated with it and students have to maintain that. Consider the template of a literature review format given below.

Reflective Journal Assignment Format

Reflective journal assignments are of various types such as peer reviews, essays, journal, long book or learning diary. Each journal entry includes the given sections:

• Triggering event or situation
• Exploration
• Conclusion or Integration

Below you can find an example of a learning journal entry in which the author is presenting their weekly reflection. Read carefully and go through the numbered points and always consider them while writing a reflective assignment.

Annotated Bibliography Format

The annotated bibliography comprises two elements: the citation and annotation. The citation part is formatted according to the referencing format suggested by your university professors such as MLA or APA . The annotation part is a summary of 100-300 words about the source. Here is an example of an annotated bibliography written in MLA style.

Tips on Formatting Assignments Accurately

• Read your instructor’s guidelines carefully before beginning an assignment. Make sure you understand every instruction correctly and you are following them while writing the assignment.
• If there is any confusion regarding the presentation or format of the assignment you can just cross-check with your professor once again. You can also seek assistance from our experts. They are well-versed in academic assignment writing formats.
• Also, always make sure that you understand the writing task. The format of every assignment is different. Sometimes students misinterpret an assignment question and then have to reconsider the format as well.
• Go through some assignment format examples first to understand the pattern of writing. You can find assignment samples from our website anytime. If your professor provides you with some examples make sure you go through them first.
• Take note of the referencing format you are using in your assignment. You should know all the formatting guidelines for the referencing style so that you can work accordingly.

Also Read: How to Write a Perfect Assignment?

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• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

• Catch your reader’s attention.
• Give background on your topic.
• Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

• Braille was an extremely important invention.
• The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

• The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
• The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

• Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
• Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

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Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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The Top 10 Bonus Structure Examples in 2024

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With the highly competitive job market, building and executing strategies for employee engagement and retention is imperative. This is where implementing effective bonus structures comes into play. It enables companies to establish a culture of recognition and reward, ensuring an alignment between individual efforts and organizational goals. 

Introducing bonus plans allows organizations to enhance employee motivation, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Performance bonuses and similar forms of monetary and non-monetary compensation can be tailored to varying business objectives and employee roles. 

Explore the top 10 bonus structure examples you can implement in your company to empower your employees while driving innovation and promoting consistent organizational growth.

1. Goal-based bonuses

When an employee or team reaches a predetermined objective, the company may award them goal-based bonuses. Organizations may grant goal-based bonuses on a regular basis, such as bi-annually or annually, and use them to incentivize employees to perform well and hit their goals. 

Example : Employees may receive a goal-based bonus after completing a project or reaching their quota within a set timeline, such as a quarter. 

• Goal-based bonuses prompt employees to work towards set goals, allowing them to focus on their objectives and positively contribute to the organization.
• Employees are encouraged to develop new skills and engage in efficient work practices to achieve their goals, which will benefit both themselves and the company. 

Pro tip: Goal-based bonuses are only effective at motivating employees if the set goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Otherwise, employees may be discouraged, confused, and unable to appropriately apply themselves to achieve the company’s desired outcomes. 

2. Sales-based bonuses

Sales-based bonuses provide sales representatives with additional opportunities to earn rewards based on their sales performance. While commissions are direct compensation tied to individual sales, sales-based bonuses offer additional incentives beyond potential commission earnings. These bonuses can reward employees for reaching specific sales targets and objectives or effectively managing sales teams, among other achievements.

Example: Sales representatives can earn a quarterly sales target bonus in addition to their regular commissions. When sales targets are met or exceeded, representatives can receive a bonus equivalent to a percentage of their total sales revenue for that period.

Benefits:  

• Companies can utilize sales-based bonuses to reward positive behavior without offering direct monetary compensation. As opposed to commissions, sales bonuses can be granted through gift cards, vouchers, flexible work options, PTO, or other forms of recognition. 
• Sales-based bonuses can be tailored to incentivize specific sales behaviors, such as hitting sales targets, acquiring new clients, or generating repeat customers. 

Pro tip: Combine sales-based bonuses with other forms of sales incentive compensation to deliver measurable results within sales teams and drive financial success within your organization. 

3. Attendance bonuses

Companies can reward employees for consistently showing up to work and reaching an attendance target through attendance bonuses. Awarding bonuses for attending work can reduce absenteeism and aid organizational productivity. Attendance bonuses are best suited for manufacturing, healthcare, and customer service industries, where consistent staffing is vital for maintaining efficient operations and delivering quality service.

Example: Employees are eligible to receive an attendance bonus if they attend work for all scheduled shifts during a calendar month or are awarded an additional five days of payment at the end of the year if they have not used sick leave. 

• As employees are rewarded for their presence, they are more likely to attend shifts rather than call out without notice.
• Attendance bonuses can ensure a smoother workflow, as consistent attendance from all employees and minimal time off can reduce disruptions caused by short-staffing. 

Pro tip: Companies may be accused of discrimination if they are not considerate when implementing attendance bonuses. These bonuses should not be withheld if doing so would result in unlawful treatment, such as in cases where an employee’s disability affects their ability to attend work.

4. Profit-sharing bonuses

Eligible employees can receive a percentage of the company’s profits, typically annually, through profit-sharing bonuses. These bonuses can be distributed as cash, stocks, or other forms of compensation and link employee performance with the company’s growth and prosperity. 

Example: A company’s annual profits are $100,000, and 10% of the profit is distributed as a bonus to 5 eligible employees, who receive an amount relative to their salary. If employee A’s salary represents 25% of the company’s total salary, they will receive 25% of the total bonus pool, ensuring fair distribution of the profit-sharing bonus. 

• When company and employee success are tied, turnover rates are reduced, as employees are incentivized to contribute to the organization long-term. 
• Employees will have a greater sense of responsibility and ownership of their duties and are more likely to produce high-quality work, as they know it will directly impact their finances. 

Pro tip: As a company’s profits can drastically fluctuate year to year due to external factors, employees may feel frustrated or discouraged if they receive lower bonuses for reasons beyond their control. Companies can avoid a potential negative impact from these bonuses by introducing additional long-term incentives (LTIs) for employees. 

5. Team-based bonuses

Companies can encourage teamwork and cooperation by awarding team-based bonuses. Rather than focusing solely on individual performance, team-based bonuses recognize the collaborative efforts of a group or department in achieving shared goals or project milestones. 

Example: A bonus amount of $20,000 is awarded quarterly to a team if they successfully complete a project within the timeline. The bonus may be distributed among the team members based on their roles and contribution levels. Team leaders, along with senior management, can collaborate to determine how the bonus is allocated.  

• Team-based bonuses motivate employees to work together rather than individually, which promotes the sharing of valuable knowledge and skills.
• Projects are completed with higher quality as each employee can contribute to their team by offering their diverse perspectives and unique strengths. 

Pro tip: If companies opt to allocate team-based bonuses according to the roles and contributions of individual employees, it’s crucial to maintain open and transparent communication. By doing so, companies ensure that employees are well informed about the decisions made and prevent perceptions of favoritism or inequity. Pay transparency and equity can also be established through the use of specialized workforce analytics software, which provides key insights such as performance metrics and employee contributions.

6. Spot bonuses

Spot bonuses are given to employees instantly or spontaneously for their performance, actions, or behaviors. As opposed to other forms of bonuses, spot bonuses are often unexpected and are not tied to predetermined criteria or timelines.

Example: When a customer provides unsolicited feedback about an employee’s exceptional service, the employee is immediately awarded a monetary bonus, such as cash or a gift card, or a non-monetary bonus, such as a certificate or extra paid time off. 

• As spot bonuses are not predetermined or planned, companies have additional flexibility in rewarding positive behaviors and contributions. 
• Employees are driven to perform well by the promise of unexpected spot bonuses, while companies can incentivize good performance without incurring significant financial costs, as these bonuses are typically granted on a smaller scale compared to other rewards.

Pro tip: Although spot bonuses can help companies promote desirable behaviors, they should not substitute for fair compensation practices. The spontaneity of spot bonuses can also unintentionally demonstrate favoritism, which can cause tension among employees, so team leaders and management should exercise discretion.

7. Retention bonuses

After staying in the company for an agreed time period, an employee becomes eligible for a retention bonus, a financial incentive that allows organizations to retain key talent and minimize hiring expenses. Companies may also offer retention bonuses to keep employees they suspect are exploring opportunities with competitors.

Example: A retention bonus is paid out annually to eligible employees who stay within the company for a year. The bonus payout can coincide with the employee’s anniversary date or at the end of the fiscal year and is based on either a percentage of the employee’s salary or a predetermined flat rate determined by HR through compensation management software .

• Retention bonuses encourage long-term company loyalty, allowing organizations to maintain a reliable workforce, even during challenging or unstable periods. 
• Companies can increase the overall quality of their workforce by offering retention bonuses to the highest-performing individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills, focus, and dedication. 

Pro tip: Companies that offer retention bonuses risk retaining employees who are unhappy, stressed, or otherwise dissatisfied with their roles. Retaining such talent solely through financial incentives such as retention bonuses could potentially diminish project quality and adversely affect morale among other employees.

8. Referral bonuses

When employees refer candidates to the company, they can receive a referral bonus, which is typically granted as a financial incentive, such as cash and gift cards, or other incentives, such as additional PTO. Companies may opt to offer referral bonuses as a flat rate regardless of the position type or through a tired structure that accounts for the level or importance of the position being filled.

Example: Employees can refer candidates to a role by submitting their resumes through the company’s designated referral portal or directly to the HR department. The company can employ a tiered bonus system, with higher bonuses being granted for successfully referring candidates for hard-to-fill positions. 

• Referral bonuses can speed up the hiring process while reducing costs, as companies can assess a large pool of prescreened candidates leveraged by existing employee networks.  
• Referred candidates are more inclined to remain with the company for an extended time, as they are provided insights from existing employees regarding the company’s culture and values. 

Pro tip: To avoid employees referring to unqualified candidates and extending the hiring process, companies must clearly outline the role’s requirements to ensure employees understand the type of candidates the company is seeking and can make appropriate referrals. 

9. Safety bonuses

Safety bonuses encourage employees to adhere to safety protocols, regulations, and best practices, reducing accidents and promoting workplace responsibility. These bonuses are particularly useful in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, construction, and other high-risk industries where safety must be prioritized. 

Example: All eligible employees receive a quarterly bonus for zero-accident records within a specified period of time, such as each quarter. The bonus can include cash prizes or other rewards such as gift cards, PTO, and career development opportunities.

• Safety bonuses can decrease company expenses by reducing downtime, medical expenses, compensation claims, and productivity losses that stem from workplace accidents. 
• An organization’s commitment to safety can positively impact each employee’s morale and engagement, as they perceive that their employer prioritizes their well-being.

Pro tip: Be consistent and informative when establishing a safety bonus program by clearly defining the desired safety measures and refraining from awarding arbitrary rewards without justification. Otherwise, the program’s effectiveness can be reduced, as employees will not understand which behaviors or actions are rewarded.

10. Innovation bonuses

Organizations can encourage creativity and ingenuity through innovation bonuses. These incentives encourage employees to contribute fresh ideas, creative solutions, and unconventional approaches to solving problems and completing projects within the organization.

Example: All employees are encouraged to submit proposals for process enhancements, product improvements, cost-saving measures, or other initiatives that can have a positive impact on the company. Each proposal is evaluated on criteria such as its feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with the organization’s goals, and the most promising ideas are selected for implementation, with employees receiving monetary or non-monetary bonuses for their successful contributions.

• Innovative bonuses can promote creativity, resourcefulness, and productivity within a company, as employees are motivated to apply their knowledge and contribute to the company’s success and advancement. 
• Companies that visibly promote and prioritize innovation can be an attractive option for prospective talent, increasing their competitiveness in their respective markets.

Pro tip: Clearly communicate the criteria for receiving innovation bonuses to avoid misunderstandings and prevent the waste of employee time and resources. Employees should also have an accessible platform or system for submitting their proposals and staying updated with the status of their submissions, as this encourages participation in the program. 

Overall, various bonus structures are designed to incentivize and reward employees for their contributions to organizational success. Each structure offers unique benefits, from motivating individual performance to encouraging teamwork and innovation. Most importantly, these bonus systems are flexible and adaptable, allowing businesses to tailor rewards to fit their specific goals and employee preferences.

Companies should consider integrating a selection of these bonus structure examples to link their objectives with employee motivations to create a culture of recognition, collaboration, and innovation. Embracing new approaches for incentivizing employees and continuously refining bonus systems with advanced compensation software ensures organizations can continue to enhance employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity company-wide.

Managing bonus plans—especially multiple bonus plans—in a large enterprise requires software that can automate the processes of determining eligibility, enrollment, calculation, approvals, and payment. Bonus software should provide the ability to configure and tailor plans to accomplish the goals of your incentive programs. For more information on how to implement bonus plans that work, contact beqom .