Assignment can be broadly defined as a piece of work or task given to a student to assess their knowledge and understanding of a particular topic and academic progress. Whilst at university, you will be tasked to complete different types of written assignment, each of which has its own features and structure. Depending on the course you are studying, you will be set different types of assignment, the most common of which are essays and reports. Nonetheless, it is also possible that you will be set other types of assignment to test your knowledge and strengthen your academic skills. We have put together a helpful guide that contains the most common types of written assignment.
Essays
- Essays are written to answer a specific question or address a specific issue.
- They present an argument on the basis of facts.
- Essays are usually written in a very open manner and without headings. Their structure, however, is made up of three key elements, namely introduction, main body, and conclusion.
- They are factual and concise in tone, written as one long prose, and usually use the active voice.
- Essays are written for the academic community and peers.
Reports
- Most reports involve presenting a student’s investigation, analysis, and interpretation of information, a situation, or issue.
- Based on the produced analysis findings, a set of recommendations and proposals is provided.
- Reports are usually composed of various sections and subsections that can vary depending on what is required from a student.
- Reports may include a table of contents, abstract, and bullet-pointed lists.
- They are predominantly written for an outside organisation.
Case Studies
- A case study is an in-depth investigation of a particular situation, study, or event conducted over a given length of time.
- They collect and present information and data to understand what has happened, as well as the reasons why it has happened.
- Case studies tend to identify the positives and negatives of a particular situation or event.
- Based on the analysis findings, case studies make relevant recommendations and outline how they can be implemented.
- They link theory to real-life scenarios.
- Case studies have numbered headings and subheadings, a table of contents, and an executive summary.
Reflections
- The main purpose of any reflective report or journal is to identify the level of your understanding and comprehension of a particular topic, situation, or experience.
- They require you to think about your own abilities, situation, or experiences.
- Reflections are used in order to understand what you have learnt and how this new knowledge has affected you.
- They are written in a conversational style and first-person.
- Reflections refer to lectures, text, and practical situations.
Free resources
Check out the free resources page on our website to help you get a better understanding of various types of written assignment, as well as the differences between them. You can also find high quality Essay examples and Report examples to help you with your academic work. Alternatively, if you are really stuck, our expert writers are ready and waiting to hear from you.
