How to Write a Written Assignment
Answer the following questions in no less than 175 words and no more than 200 words. Outline the main characteristics of Spanish colonialism in the Americas.
Firstly, some common mistakes on how NOT to answer a question:
• Simply summarize the class reading.
• Take random facts and observations from the class reading and write them down.
• Discuss a number of factors that relate to, but that don’t directly address the question.
• Tell a story using the class reading that relates to the question in some way.
• List a number of points that relate to the question in successive sentences without any
clear argument .
Secondly, this is how you SHOULD answer a question:
• Do the assigned class reading.
• Take a look at the questions.
• Think about how the class reading relates to the questions.
• Sketch out a plan to use the class reading to answer a question.
• Develop a clear thesis and/or framework of analysis to address the question.
Thirdly, in terms of approach and format, a written assignment should unfold along these lines:
Introduction
i/ First sentence: provide a direct and succinct answer to the question.
ii/ Second (and possibly a third, but probably no more than that) sentence: explain the basis of
your answer by pointing to the two, three or four (four at most—three is about the
average) points that you will be focusing on.
iii/ You have now completed your introduction.
iv/ New paragraph. If you are not using paragraphs your work is not sufficiently structured and
organized. Always use paragraphs.
v/ First paragraph: take the first point/part of the answer and fully explain how it relates to the
question. Provide some details and examples for context to demonstrate this.
vi/ Second paragraph: take the second point/part of the answer and fully explain how it relates
to the question. Provide some details and examples for context to demonstrate this.
vii/ Third paragraph (if needed): take the third point/part of the answer and fully explain how it
relates to the question. Provide some details and examples for context to demonstrate
this.
viii/ Fourth paragraph (if needed): take the fourth point/part of the answer and fully explain
how it relates to the question. Provide some details and examples for context to
demonstrate this.
Conclusion
ix/ Final paragraph: briefly sum up and reiterate your answer and its significance. One, two or
three sentences at most.
x/ You have now completed your conclusion and finished your written assignment.
Finally, at a very basic level, all written assignments must be:
• Proofread so that they do not contain any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or
incomplete/incomprehensible sentences.
• Organized, structured, coherent and intelligible.
• Well written, articulate and clear in conveying the main points.
• Able to demonstrate a clear and reasoned answer the question.
• Attentive to all of the presentation and submission requirements set out in the syllabus.
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