The Structure and Optimal Length of an Assignment

Assignment writing, unlike other academic papers, does not have a pre-determined structure. They usually follow the question-and-answer formula, with specific pointers on answering specific questions. However, the length of an assignment determines the name and structure of the academic work. It shows the creative process of answering the question, covering all angles. Consider using the following assignment writing structure if it doesn’t have a pre-defined format. 

Question Statement 

It involves understanding the assignment question, noting down every keyword and painting different scenarios. The aim is to map out every possible angle the keywords can be used and how best to answer the entire question. You can explain the condition, circumstance or background story of the question, which creates the context from which you can answer the question.

The statement works well in assignment questions whose answering model is “describe.” Supporting context also helps you view the assignment question on a broad scale. It also gives room for ideas you can explore to get the right angle to answer the question. However, you should be careful not to over-explain the question as it might distort it. 

Length of an Assignment: Question Analysis

After mapping out all keywords and deliverables in the assignment question, you must point out what needs to be done. Literature from scholars in this field comes in handy as they give different scenarios based on their findings, depending on the length of an assignment. You need diverse literature on the same context, explaining what they looked for and what they found out.

Eventually, come up with a consolidated view of your findings and analysis, and support it with facts. If there are no recent findings on the topic, point it out and suggest elements within the topic that need review. Do not push for an unverified answer to a question without proof. Remember, assignments are fact-finding exercises and not knowledge growth and development avenues. 

Length of an Assignment: Question Response

It sums up all findings in the question statement and analysis. The aim is to form a unified approach which will guide the answer to the question. If all your sources align and give the same answer, the response is affirmative. However, if there are varied answers, consider the following scenarios:

• Common ground – the unifying denominator in all the answers to the question.
• Recent discoveries – with advancements in science and technology, the answer that addresses the contemporary issues in the study area should be given prominence.
• Open-end responses – if there are no definitive answers to the assignment question, point out areas that need further research. It might not give the requisite answers, but it acknowledges the shortfalls in the question and the need for additional attention. 

A response does not need to be “Yes” or “No.” Sometimes “Maybe” is an answer, especially if someone doubts the available solution. It opens up opportunities for further research to grow the knowledge bank. This explains why the length of an assignment determines the magnitude and rich source of other academic writing discourses, including term papers and dissertations. 

Disclaimer 

However, the formula above can only be used on questions that need expounding. Assignments have a specific direction on how to answer questions. If your assignment requires you to explain, describe, expound or illustrate, the formula above works. However, a one-paragraph answer should be enough if the task requires you to highlight, point out, or list. 

Sentence: Length of an Assignment

There is no specified length for an assignment answer, but point delivery in any academic discourse has an objective length. It stems from the fact that a paragraph is a concept requiring a group of sentences to support it. The statement-analysis-response formula explained above forms the basis of the sentence and paragraph length in assignment writing. Below are some of the factors you should consider when writing an ideal sentence for an assignment.

Type of Question/Assignment/Answer

The requirement in the assignment dictates the length of a sentence and the entire paragraph. Assignments with descriptive words like “describe” directs the student to show the basis, expound on it and give a verdict. The sentences in the answer should have at least 2 ideas, which average between 18 to 25 words. In a normal sentence structure, any sentence above 25 words is too wordy and hard to read and understand.

As for a basic assignment with words like “highlight”, “list”, or “enumerate”, you only need one idea per sentence. The sentence length is between 10 to 16 words. 

Purpose of the Paragraph

Based on the statement-analysis-response formula explained above, each section has its word count. The statement part has several sentences that give light to the assignment question. It should have between 4 to 7 sentences in a paragraph, depending on the complexity of the question.

The second part of the assignment answer, the analysis, should have several sentences. Each sentence has at least two points that explain the concept and outcome. Depending on the number of literature you choose to settle on, each should have a paragraph. The total number of sentences in a paragraph explains the literature, while the number of paragraphs discusses the different literature used in the assignment.

Assignment responses should have a few sentences. It picks out important factors discussed in the analysis and summarises the answer. At most, it should have 2 paragraphs with 5 sentences each. However, it varies based on the complexity and the length of an assignment. 

Consistency/Chronology 

If the length of an assignment question has several factors that lead to its build-up, then consider chronology. Each sentence should complement the following one to make it easy to follow the conversation. However, most assignment writing exercises have straightforward questions that need direct answers. In this case, a response can be between 2 to 3 sentences, depending on the components in the question.

However, maintain the argument and expound on it based on the angle of the question. If you deviate, you might distort the primary premise from which all your answers emanate. The weight of the answer lies in the basis of your primary argument, which gives meaning to the entire sentence structure.