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Academic Success

Essential Study Skills: Planning an Assignment

How do you plan an assignment?

If a task seems too difficult or you don’t know where to start, breaking it into smaller tasks can help make it easier to do. An assignment tracker is a document that you can use to break big assignments into smaller, more manageable steps. This module will show you how to plan out the time you need to complete your assignments.

Strategies for Using the Assignment Tracker

  • Plan enough time.Be prepared to invest an average of 2 solid hours for every 5% an assignment is worth.
  • Start planning your time early in the semester.The earlier you start managing your time, the easier it is. Get into good habits early so you don’t fall behind.
  • Start assignments early.Start at least two weeks before the due date. Give yourself enough time to complete your assignment properly.
  • Spread out the work.Break your assignment into smaller chunks. Spread your work out instead of doing it all at the last minute.

Breaking Down Assignments

Step 1: Gather Information

  1. If possible, print off a hard copy of the assignment.
  2. Read the entire assignment out loud.
  3. Brainstorm ideas.

Step 2: Calculate the Assignment Time

Use the chart below to calculate how long you should spend on an assignment. For every 5% the assignment is worth, you should plan to work 2 hours.

5% = 2 hours 25% = 10 hours
10% = 4 hours 30% = 12 hours
15% = 6 hours 35% = 14 hours
20% = 8 hours 40% = 16 hours

Step 3: Use the Assignment tracker

Fill out your assignment tracker:

Watch the video and use the steps below to learn how to fill out the template. Make sure to start work at least two weeks before your assignment is due.

Instructions for filling out the assignment tracker template

  1. Fill out the beginning of the form with the name of the course, the assignment title and value, the hours of work required, today’s date and the due date.
  2. In the ‘Stages’ column, create a list of all of the things that you need to do to complete this assignment, e.g. brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, writing a rough draft. Use one line for each stage.
  3. Give yourself a completion deadline for each task.
  4. Check off each task as you finish them.