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Course Assignments

Written Assignment Steps

For written assignments, be sure to follow the rubric and instructions provided in your course. For general information, review each of the following steps. 

Starting the Assignment

  1. Begin by opening the APA template
    • Save the assignment in this format: Jstudent_exampleproblem_101523
  2. Setting up the assignment
    • Copy and paste the assignment into a Word document.
    • Break the required elements of the assignment into bullet points. This will ensure that you meet all the assignment requirements.  It will also save you a lot of time.
    • Now that you know exactly what the assignment is asking of you, go ahead and start reading the material for the module.  When you find the necessary information, type it into the Word document under the corresponding bullet point. Remember to put it into your own words
      • This is where you'll also use in-text citations if applicable
    • You can polish up your paper as you go or wait until the end when you have all your content written,
  3. Create an outline
    • You have the information you need to write your paper. Take the bullet points with the information underneath and paste them into the APA template format you've already downloaded and saved. 
    • Start with the main points
      • You'll build your paragraphs around the main points.
        • Generally, there is one main idea per paragraph.
      • Fill in details to support each main idea.
        • These will also be the bulleted elements from the beginning when you set the assignment up.

Building the Paper

Now that you have the information you need to write your paper, you'll start your rough draft

  • You can place the information from your outline into the APA formatted paper you've already downloaded and saved. The outline will show you what your paragraphs will contain. Start with the main points from your outline
  • Build your paragraphs around the main points (remember, one main point per paragraph) and fill in details to support each main idea

Review and Submit

  • Double-check that the assignment's required elements (bulleted from earlier) are all in your paper.
  • Use the Rubric in the box below to self-assess your assignment.
    • This is the same rubric the Writing Lab staff will use as a guideline for your written work.  Use the rubric to 'score' your paper. You'll see helpful resources for making any changes before you submit it to the Writing Lab. See the bottom box for complete information about the Rubric and how to use it. 
  • You're almost finished! Now that you're getting close to finishing your paper, you can have someone else provide feedback before you submit it to your instructor.