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Assignment Presentation Below are some FAQs relating to assignment presentation.

//**Do you have any general guidelines on assignment presentation?**// When preparing an assessment item your primary goal is to respond appropriately and effectively to the assessment task. Good presentation assists you by placing your work in a form which supports your efforts to clearly communicate your response to the assessment task.

These guidelines are based upon advice provided at CSU’s Learning Skills website at [] which is more extensive then the information given here. In particular see the ‘How Do I’ guides and the FAQs.

//**How do I submit my assignment using EASTS?**//

On __page 8 of the subject outline__ there are instructions on where to locate the EASTS tab. Follow the step-by-step instructions. It is an easy task.

Only submit one file (your assignment). Keep the title simple such as 'assignment1'. EASTS will attach a pink cover sheet with all your details printed for our use.

Once the assignment has been 'uploaded', EASTS will send an email to your email address confirming its delivery.

//**If I have a problems with EASTS, can I get help?**//

Yes. Contact Student Central on 1800 ASK CSU (1800 275 278) and they will provide assistance. International students can ring +61 2 6933 7508 or fax +61 2 6933 6599.

Lecturers do not have access to EASTS so cannot provide assistance with uploading assignments etc

//**Should I save a copy of my assignment?**//

It is essential that you retain a digital copy of the final version of your assessment item so that it is available if necessary or requested.


 * //Can I send a pdf file?//**


 * No.** Not all of our markers are equipped to edit via Adobe Acrobat. Your assignment must be in word processed form, preferably a Word file (it has .doc or .docx as the file extension name)


 * //I only have Word 2003. Is that okay?//**

There is no problem with most files from standard word processing software programs. EASTS can handle them. If you do use something 'exotic' please contact the subject coordinator before uploading.

//**Are there any presentation standards I should follow?**//

Assessment items should be word processed.

Use 1.5 or __double spacing__. Whichever spacing you use, be consistent in its use throughtout the assignment.

Use 2.5cm __margins__ (this should be the default setting for most word processors)

Use 12pt. Times New Roman __font__ is preferred.

Use a __footer__ on each page (except the title page) giving your name, student number and a page number.

You can use __headings__ within your assessment item to clearly and appropriately indicate sections within it. Where headings are used they should structure the content and provide a logical flow that guides the reader. If you were to remove the headings your work should still make clear sense to the reader.

It is generally accepted that in academic writing that writing in __first person is not accepted__ i.e. avoid the use of 'I' and 'me'.

//**What about the word limit?**//

Work to the word limit. However, being over or under by up to 10% is acceptable.

//**I find writing a diffcult task. Do you have any advice?**//

Writing is never an easy task; it is an activity where we try to craft a text that says what we want it to say and sends a meaningful message to the reader. Writing therefore involves rewriting and may even require discarding. Often when we write the first draft of an assessment item we often include words or sections that are not needed. When such aspects are revised the assessment item is more focussed, much tighter, and clearer. The revision of writing can be critical to presenting your final version within the word limit.

The following generalisation may assist you in your writing. In the **__//first//__** draft we write for ourselves, as we try to make sense of the whole topic and say something sensible. The __**//second//**__ (and subsequent) draft is where we write for the reader, and try to make sure we communicate to that person the message we intend.

It is important that you answer the set question, keep to the topic and inlcude all relevant issues. It is wise to regularly refer to the assessment task and the marking criteria as you write. The marker will sytematically use these in assessing your work.

//**Should I have a title page to my work?**//

Yes. A title page will be provided in Resources. Edit it to add your name, student number, subject code and any other appropriate information.

Copy and paste it onto the front of your assignment before uploading to EASTS.

//**What should the word count include?**//

The word count will include all your typed work, including headings. It will __not include__ a reference list at the end or any in-text references e.g. (Smith, 2007) commented, " I am sure it will prove successful." Do not include the (Smith, 2007) in the word count. The title page is also not included in the word count.

//**Is proof reading useful?**//

Yes. Make sure you proof read the final document prior to submission for technical aspects such as spelling, punctuation, grammar, missing words and acknowledgement of sources. Such errors distract the reader, make it more difficult fo rthem to follow and appropriately assess your work and can redue the quality of your work.

It is a good idea to have someone else proof read your work. Others can pick up mistakes that you may have overlooked.

//**What about using a spell and grammar checker?**//

Do not rely on spelling or grammar checkers. They only offer information based on their database, often use American spelling and do not include every word or grammar rule ever written.

//**How important is referencing?**//

In writing your assessment item you need to show that you have consulted a reasonable range of relevant sources such as authoritative online sources, books, and print journal articles. You must give proper acknowledgment for any ideas, quotes and background information that you get from these sources and use correct referencing when doing so. Some students initially feel frustrated and constrained in their writing efforts because of the need to include references. However, correct referencing // is // an important part of academic writing and plays a critical role in helping you avoid committing plagiarism.

Sources should be identified within the text (in-text references) as well as in the list of references.

Generally avoid direct quotations except short ones used for a particular effect. It is better to express the idea in your own words, demonstrating your understanding of the concepts involves.

//**When should I expect to have my assignment returned to me?**//

University policy states that assignments should be returned no later than __three weeks after the date of submission__. For example, if an assignment is due for submission on Monday August 1 it should be expected the assignment to leave the School of Information Studies on Monday August 22. It is then processed by the CSU mail branch before posting through Australia Post. This may mean the assignment leaves CSU on Tuesday August 23.

A date on EASTS will indicate when the assignment was posted by CSU. If there are any problems, contact Student Central initially on the number above.

If, for any reason, the return of assignments will be delayed, the subject coordinator will advise everyone by email.