GUIDE FOR ASSIGNMENT PRESENTATION - uq.edu.au

1 SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS GUIDE FOR ASSIGNMENT PRESENTATION JACKIE ROBINSON for the School of Economics Teaching and Learning Committee The University of Queensland This GUIDE has been compiled from the Graduate School of Management and Department of Management ASSIGNMENT Writing Handbook (Carnegie, 1998) and from work previously undertaken by Bruce Littleboy and Jon Stanford from the Department of Economics 2001 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Assessment Criteria ..1 2. Planning and Sequence of an ASSIGNMENT ..1 3. Common Specific Instructions Used in ASSIGNMENT Questions ..2 4. The Basics ..3 General Points ..3 Style ..4 Quotes ..4 Clarity.

2 5 Indicating your Intentions ..5 Tables and Figures ..5 Tables ..5 Non-Discriminatory Language ..6 5. Referencing ..6 Plagiarism ..7 When and How to Reference ..7 Referencing In-Text Reference List versus Reference List References ..16 Acknowledgements ..16 School of Economics, The University of Queensland GUIDE FOR ASSIGNMENT PRESENTATION An ASSIGNMENT should be regarded as a piece of academic writing.

3 The following comments and suggestions about the construction and PRESENTATION of assignments are intended to provide a GUIDE . They are not intended to be considered as rigid rules. However, there are a number of academic conventions which should be met in academic work. Of most importance in academic writing is an overriding need for internal consistency in PRESENTATION . Internal consistency is achieved by thoroughness and attention to detail in the PRESENTATION of work. The purpose of an academic piece of writing is to report the results of an investigation to other members of the discipline for their information, evaluation and criticism. Communication of the results of academic activity is important as it allows the dissemination of information and is fundamental to the establishment of groups of people who are interested in similar problems and who are interested in applying similar analytical techniques to identify solutions to these problems.

4 Writing an ASSIGNMENT is an exercise in effective communication and requires more than just learning of techniques of analysis and facts about the economic process. There are a number of books available that assist with writing assignments. See for example, Betts and Seitz (1986) Writing Essays in the Social Sciences and Anderson and Poole (1994) Thesis and ASSIGNMENT Writing. It is recommended that students consult these for information about how to research and write an ASSIGNMENT . 1. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Each course offered through the School of Economics will have stipulated the criteria for assessment of assignments in the Course Outline. A number of assessment criteria that may be relevant for all courses are listed below. Relevance of your answer to the question or task set. Clarity of expression. Supporting documentation for arguments.

5 Proper acknowledgement of documentation and the use of a bibliographic convention. Logical planning and sequence. Overall PRESENTATION , including correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Comprehensive coverage reflecting mastery of set readings and text. 2. PLANNING AND SEQUENCE OF AN ASSIGNMENT The ASSIGNMENT should contain at least three well defined and distinct sections: (a) An introduction (or a beginning ) (b) The body of the ASSIGNMENT (or a middle ) (c) A conclusion (or an end ) School of Economics, The University of Queensland 2 The introduction, which occurs at the beginning of the ASSIGNMENT , should include a statement of the aims or objectives of the ASSIGNMENT . The introduction provides a clear statement of the problem or question to be considered; the limitations or assumptions you plan to use when examining the problem, and the analytical techniques used.

6 Although the question set will frequently determine the question posed for the ASSIGNMENT , there is still scope for the introduction to define more precisely the question or to set the bounds of the ASSIGNMENT . Do not simply state the title of the ASSIGNMENT or repeat the question posed by the lecturer. The body of the ASSIGNMENT contains the argument that you present in support of the question you have posed in the introduction. The argument should be logical and embody the standard techniques of analysis as well as display familiarity with standard economic concepts and doctrines. The conclusion should complete the ASSIGNMENT by following up discussion points raised in the previous sections. It should relate clearly to your statement of aims and purpose provided in the introduction. As a general rule, no new material should be introduced in the conclusion.

7 The conclusion normally should draw conclusions and point to further directions one could take from matters which have been argued fully and stated in the body of the ASSIGNMENT . Do not simply repeat, or summarise, what you have already said in the body of the ASSIGNMENT . Repetition is regarded as padding. 3. COMMON SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS USED IN ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS Define Set down the precise meaning of a word or phrase and show why the distinctions implied in the definition are necessary by expanding on particular elements that may be sources of confusion or misunderstanding. Discuss Investigate an issue by examining the positive and negative arguments and by exploring interesting alternatives. Illustrate Use a model to clarify a particular point or use examples taken from everyday reality. Explain Clarify by the use of explanation, model and example.

8 Compare Describe the similarities and differences and evaluate likely outcomes. Contrast Present an overview of two points of view and set them in opposition to bring out the differences. Describe Give a detailed explanation and clarification. Evaluate Make an appraisal on the basis of pre-established criteria, explore other points of view and, perhaps, include your personal opinion. School of Economics, The University of Queensland 3 Interpret Expand the meaning of a particular issue or event. Justify Show the basis for a decision or conclusion by the use of an appropriate model or relevant evidence. Outline Describe the major features of an issue or theory omitting minor details and emphasising structure and key conclusions. Relate Show how things are connected to each other and how they influence each other. State Present in brief, clear form.

9 Summarise Give a brief overview of the key points of a matter, omitting details and examples. Trace Follow the development of a topic from some point of origin. 4. PRESENTATION The style and PRESENTATION of assignments are important. Your ASSIGNMENT should be easy to read and be presented in a way that shows you have organised your material to present your argument clearly. In addition, your ASSIGNMENT should be referenced where appropriate and literature cited in the text should be accurately documented. THE BASICS Although there are variations in writing style required by different academic disciplines, different journals, different universities, and even different schools within the one university, the guidelines provided in this section should be followed unless you have been given specific instructions to the contrary.

10 It is strongly recommended that you use this section as a check list before you submit every ASSIGNMENT . General Points All pages are to be consecutively numbered. Use one side only of A4 paper. All pages should be secured with a staple in the top left-hand corner. Do not use paper clips or pins, and do not use PRESENTATION folders. Assignments must be typed or word processed, not handwritten. Ensure that your print-out is clear and easy to read. Spell check your paper, preferably using the Australian dictionary provided in your word processing program. Ensure that you keep a copy of your ASSIGNMENT in case the original is misplaced. School of Economics, The University of Queensland 4 Supply an estimated word count on the cover sheet. The word count should include footnotes but exclude the reference list.