Here’s a quick overview of the five important stages of an assessment that will help you tackle your first one.

• Plan and prepare. The first stage of an assessment is all about planning. Check the criteria, brainstorm your initial ideas, ask any questions early, and determine the purpose and direction of your argument. Write a plan that you can refer back to. Read the Academic Skills Guides that are relevant to your assessment.
• Research and take notes. This can often be the most time-consuming stage, but it is a necessary task. Ask the Library to help you find the sources you need and take detailed notes. This is also a good time to check which referencing style you need to follow for your assessment.
• Write the first draft. Your first draft should get your ideas on paper and in a coherent order – your sentences don’t have to be perfect.
• Revise and re-draft. Read our guide to drafting and allocate time to checking that you have referenced your sources correctly.
• Proofread and submit. Now is the time to print out your assessment and get out the red pen! Remember to also read the submission requirements in your unit guide, use Turnitin, and celebrate after you've submitted it.

So, as soon as you receive your first assessment details, generate a plan using the Assessment Planner.