Plan the final product

Before you start your research, have a quick think about how you're going to present your work.

It may seem a little premature, but if you know what you have to produce, you can collect the right material as you go and save yourself from having to go back for things later.

If you're writing an essay, you may need to look at original documents and other material (primary material), as well as information in books, journals and on the web.

If you're producing an oral history, think about family, friends and community groups that may be able to participate.

Assessment criteria

Teachers use assessment criteria to make sure they mark all students' work against the same standards. Assessment criteria are literally a checklist of things you must do to pass an essay or assignment – like a formula for good work.

If you refer to your assessment criteria while researching and writing, and demonstrate everything in the assessment criteria to an appropriate standard, you should at the very least pass your assignment.

See also

Essay writing skills

Creative assignments