Five Steps to Writing an A+ Assignment

How many times have you put off writing an assignment until 1 or 2 hours before the deadline on Sunday night in an online class? You're not alone; this happens to everyone every now and again. When this happens every week, then an intervention is in order. Here are some quick and easy steps to completing classwork on time and with A+ quality.

Step 1: Read the assignment carefully. Make a list of each question or requirement. List the required reading and any outside resources you need to complete each item on the list.

Step 2: Start writing. Refer to the assignment list to organize your thoughts and ideas. When you have finished, refer to the required readings and make notes of information you can use in each paragraph to support what you wrote.

Step 3: Review your draft and compare with the list so that your information is organized according to the assignment instructions. Rearrange as needed and insert material from your required reading notes. Do be sure to cite properly so that you do not plagiarize information from the readings.  

Step 4: Proofread and edit carefully. The best way to proofread is to read out loud, starting at the end, one paragraph at a time. It's helpful to get someone else to read over your work for clarity and organization.  

Step 5: Type up a clean copy of your assignment; format the paper as indicated by your professor; and submit on time.

Following these steps will help you complete the assignment on time with the required information. What other strategies do you use that have worked to help you get assignments completed properly and on time? What are some of the challenges that get in the way of writing A+ class assignments?