Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

This week’s topics

Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

1. Unpacking the assignment brief and criteria
2. Finding and evaluating sources
3. Planning and referencing
4. Academic writing workshop
5. Academic reading and writing in English Part 6: How to cite sources

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘academic research and writing.’
• 1.2 Explain different academic writing conventions.
• 1.3 Discuss different types of academic research.
• 2.1 Compare different sources of information and evidence.
• 2.2 Explain the research process.
• 2.3 Differentiate between primary and secondary research.
• 3.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘critical thinking.’
• 3.2 Explain different critical thinking skills.
• 3.3 Explain why critical thinking is important in academic research.
• 3.4 Explain how to apply techniques to evaluate an argument.
• 4.1 Explain the key components of a reliable and valid academic argument.
• 4.2 Differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning.
• 4.3 Suggest an argument structure for a given topic.

Activity

Start with this week’s 2 videos, then: Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Videos

• Academic writing workshop · YouTube · University of Staffordshire Student Life · 14 min · for registered students
• Academic reading and writing in English Part 6: How to cite sources · YouTube · Leiden University - Faculty of Humanities · 17 min · for registered students

Further resources

• Writing for Success, ch. 8.1–8.3: Prewriting, outlining and drafting · PDF · Saylor Academy, textbook chapter; pp. 281–318 · for registered students
• Harvard Referencing quick guide 2025 (York St John University) · PDF · Other, report · for registered students
• Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test · PDF · Other, report · for registered students