Essay paper

How to do well in this assignment
The main aim of answering an assignment question is to show that you thoroughly understand the
concepts and issues that it raises. If you fail to show the required understanding, you will lose marks.
In numerical work, you show understanding by:
ü Correctly showing how a solution is calculated;
ü Giving the correct answer;
ü Using correct units;
ü Where relevant, providing insightful comments on the implications of the results; and
ü When creating plots, formatting them so that the relevant information can be seen easily, labelling
them correctly, and interpreting the results correctly.
In work that involves theory and measurement, it can be useful to demonstrate an appropriate
understanding of the limitations of each, which can be used to help understand discrepancies between
them. Theories have assumptions, and measurements have sources of uncertainty.
In non-numerical work, you show understanding by
ü Correctly explaining the issues involved;
ü Answering in sufficient detail;
ü Not including irrelevant or incorrect information;
ü Reaching the correct conclusion; and
ü Drawing on relevant high quality external sources of information.
Sometimes illustrations are more effective than words in explaining concepts.
Read the question – make sure that you are answering what it is asking.
Justify your answers – either by derivation, or by explanation.
Try to explain things well – be succinct but not cursory, and use pictures if they help with explanations.
Clear expression is highly valued in science: aim to write with maximum clarity.
Use jargon precisely, and avoid using jargon words colloquially.
Including irrelevant information may demonstrate a lack of understanding (especially if you argue that it is
relevant).
Remember to answer every part of the assignment.
Be sure to adhere to the University’s academic integrity standards