How to write an assignment
TECHNICAL
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1 Table of contents
The Table of Contents (as in the case of the REFERENCES) is written on a separate page
and is not considered part of the prescribed length of the assignment. If for example, the
prescribed length is 6 pages, the Table of Contents will be an additional page. It is important
to ensure that each heading from the introduction onwards as well as all other sub-headings
are numbered consecutively. It should be in Block Format, see example below.
Table of Contents
Pag
e
1 Introduction 1
2 Secondary school geography curriculum 1
2. Addressing the relevancy issue in general 2
1 The relevancy of the current geography curriculum 2
2. Contents of the current curriculum a synoptic approach 3
2 Teachers’ views of the situation 3
2.
3
2.
4
3 Improvement on secondary school geography curriculum 4
3. Geography teachers’ perception 4
1 Teacher application of the inquiry teaching methods 5
3. Geography learners’ perception 5
2
How to write an assignment
3.
3
4 Conclusion 6
5 References 7
Points to remember:
Main headings should focus on major issues as implied by the title of the assignment.
Sub-headings reflect other more specific issues, but they should nevertheless relate to
the main heading.
Skip a line before and after each main heading, but NOT between consecutive sub-
headings (see the Table of Contents above i.e. 1 and 2 are main headings and 2.1 and
2.2 are subheadings).
Do not underline any heading.
Page numbers should be on the right-hand side of the page (only mention 1st page
number : see the Table of Contents under Page).
2 Introduction
The contents of the assignment should start with a brief introduction. It should clearly reveal
the purpose of the assignment. What is the assignment all about? Furthermore, it should not
have a direct quotation.
3 Main text
The main text usually consists of a number of headings and if required or feasible, sub-
headings under one or more of the main headings. The paragraphs under these various
headings should link up with one another. What this implies is that the description should read
like a continuous story (the `Golden Thread') with each succeeding paragraph related to the
previous one.
In writing the assignment one must at all times acknowledge the sources of information. Where
How to write an assignment
applicable, this should be done after each paragraph. One may acknowledge the source by
starting with the information and end with the source or vice-versa. For example the
acknowledgement of a source could be done in the following way:
Educational management, therefore includes such issues as group dynamics, group
morale and good human relations (Brazelle, 1983: 6).
or
Brazelle (1983: 6) points out that educational management, therefore includes such
issues as group dynamics, group morale and good human relations.
This means that the information is found on page 6 in a book written by Brazelle, and
published in 1983. Do not give a verbatim account of literature consulted paragraph after
paragraph; rather read and study the information thoroughly and reproduce in your own
words.
Points to remember:
Number the pages, starting with page 1 on the page which the introduction appears.
Skip a line before and after each main heading, but not between consecutive sub-
headings.
Do not underline main or sub-headings.
Skip a line between consecutive paragraphs. Paragraphs should not exceed half a
page.
Do not start with a paragraph heading at the bottom of a previous page; rather start on
a next page.
Sentences should be short and to the point.
Only write on the one side of a page, like in this guideline.
Main headings and sub-headings in the text should correspond with the information in
the Table of Contents.
4 References
How to write an assignment
All the sources consulted and referenced in the body of the assignment must be included in
the REFERENCES on a new page. These sources must be alphabetically arranged according
to the surnames of the authors as listed in their respective books. If sources were consulted
with the same surname, then the initials of the authors concerned must be taken into
consideration in order to keep the references in alphabetical. If it happens that a person
consulted more than one book of the same author, then they must be listed alphabetically
according to the publication year. It is furthermore important to note that sources stated in the
references must not be numbered. The following examples should serve as a pointer on how
the bibliography must be set out.
et al. is not written in the bibliography. Write the surnames of all the authors of a source even
when they are more than two.
How to write an assignment
REFERENCES
Beukes J.H. 1988. Factors That Influence the Demand for Technikon Education. Journal of
Pedagogics, 9(3) : 17-26.
Bortner M.A. 1988. Delinquency and Justice: An Age of Crisis. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Dryfoos J.G. 1990. Adolescents at Risk: Prevalence and Prevention. New York: Oxford
University Press.
Mminele S.P.P. 1979. The Teacher's Basic Tasks and EffectiveTeaching Methods that Go with
them. Educamus, 25(2):36-39.
Points to Remember:
Arrange sources in alphabetical order.
Do not number the sources.
Do not include sources that are not reflected in the main text.
Include all sources that are reflected in the main text.
