Find, access and use information effectively: a step-by-step guide: Understand your assignment

Choose a topic that interests you and will hold your attention. If you do, the research will be more enjoyable!

Before selecting a topic or starting your research, make sure you understand your assignment and its requirements. Consider the following:

• Have you been assigned a topic or can you pick your own?
• If you have been assigned a topic, analyse the assignment questions:
  • What does the question mean?
  • What kind of answer is required?
  • How much detail is expected in the assignment?
  • From what perspective should I be writing?
• How many pages/words do you need to write? How long is your presentation?
• Do you need to include specific types of sources? (e.g. scholarly journal, book, etc.)
• When is the assignment due? How much time do you have to research?
• Is currency of information important?

"Analyse the assignment questions" under The Research Assignment in the box above links, with permission, to the Info Skills Tutorial of the University of Newcastle, Australia.

The Library and Information Service offers a wide range of group training sessions with the main focus on enhancing the information literacy skills of all students at Stellenbosch University. Book a specific training session or consult the undergraduate or postgraduate training programme to see a list of all training sessions available for specific target groups.