Assignments and exams

Most assignments come with two important documents, a task sheet and a marking rubric.

Task sheet

This tells you what the assignment is about and includes key info like:

• due date
• word limit
• learning goals
• formatting and style
• how to submit
• referencing rules. 

Marking rubric

This shows how your work will be graded. It breaks down each part of the task and explains what’s needed for different grades (like High Distinction or Credit). It also shows how much each part is worth (called weighting).

These documents are helpful when you're planning, writing, and checking your assignments.      

Unpacking the task

Sometimes assignment instructions can feel confusing. To make it easier: 

• look for the topic (what it’s about)
• find the task words (what you need to do, such as, explain, compare or analyse)
• spot any limiting words (which narrow down the focus).

This helps you break the task down into clear instructions and take steps so you know exactly what to do, find the academic task words PDF for definitions.

Explore the understanding the task PDF for tips and examples about task sheets and marking rubrics (marking criteria). 

What is marking criteria?

Marking criteria are the rules or guidelines your teacher uses to grade your assignment. They show what’s expected and help you understand how to do well. You’ll usually find these criteria in a document called a rubric, marking sheet, or scoring sheet, which is shared with your task instructions or on Studydesk. 

Why is it important?

• It helps you plan, write, and review your work.
• It shows what your teaching team are looking for in each part of the task.
• It helps you understand the feedback you get after your work is marked.

What is a rubric?

A rubric is a table that breaks down each part of your task and shows what different grades (like High Distinction or Credit) look like. It helps you see exactly what you need to do to get a better mark.

What is weighting?

Each part of your task is worth a certain number of marks, this is called weighting. It tells you which parts are more important. For example, if one section is worth 30 marks and another is worth 10, you should spend more time on the 30-mark section.

 

Explore the understanding the marking criteria PDF for examples about marking criteria, rubrics and weighting for assessments.

Assessments such as assignments, quizzes, and exams help show how well you understand your course. Planning ahead makes study less stressful and helps you stay on track.

Plan ahead for your Study Period

Before you dive into your course, take a few minutes to check out the Course Specifications, this is your roadmap and answers key questions, such as:

• What are the course objectives? These are the skills and knowledge you’re expected to learn—and what your assessments are based on.
• What assessments are there and when are they due? Look under the 'Assessment' section to find out what tasks you’ll need to complete and when. Add these dates to your planner!
• How much is each task worth? This is called weighting, it helps you decide how much time to spend on each task.

Helpful tools for planning

Check out the resources below for templates and tips to help you plan your study period:

• assessment planner
• weekly planner
• online calendar
• Rise module: planning for your assignments.

Quick tips for assessment planning

• Start early – give yourself plenty of time.
• Read carefully – understand all parts of the task.
• Use planning tools – find what works best for you.
• Break it down – tackle one part at a time.
• Connect with others – study groups, PALs, mentors, or a study buddy can help keep you motivated.

Check out the assessment planning PDF for practical tips and examples to help you plan your assessments with confidence.

Case study assessments are a common part of university study because they help you show how well you can apply your knowledge. They ask you to connect theory and research to a real or hypothetical situation just like you might do in a professional setting.

This means you're not just repeating what you've learned, you’re using it to analyze, explain, and solve problems in context.

Check out this helpful video for tips and strategies, it covers:

• how to break down a case study
• what to include in your response
• how to link theory and evidence effectively.

View the case studies PDF for practical tips to help you craft a clear, thoughtful case study that aligns with academic expectations and deepens your understanding.

Essays are one of the most common types of assessments at university. While the style and focus of your essay might vary depending on your subject area, all essays share some key features. These include your ability to:

• analyse and synthesise information
• think critically
• justify your arguments with evidence.

In the essay writing PDF you'll find tips on the essay writing process and suggestions for structuring essays effectively. To help you plan your essay, use this template for support.

Report writing is a common assessment task at university and a key skill in many careers, including business, government, science, and technical fields. Reports are designed to communicate information clearly and efficiently, often to a specific audience such as managers, clients, or technical teams.

Unlike essays, reports are usually structured with headings and sections, and they focus on presenting facts, analysis, and recommendations in a logical and easy-to-follow format.

There are many types of reports, each with a different purpose. Here are five common ones you might come across:

Want to learn more?

Check out our introductory report writing PDF guide or try our self-paced module to build your skills step by step.

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources like books, journal articles, or websites, that you’ve used to research a specific topic. But it’s more than just a reference list, each entry includes:

• a summary of the source’s main ideas
• an explanation of how it relates to your topic
• an evaluation of the source’s credibility and usefulness.

Creating an annotated bibliography helps you organise your research and gives you a clear overview of what’s already known about your topic.

Find out more via the annotated bibliographies PDF to learn about sources, formats and examples.

Success in exams starts with good planning and consistent effort. Whether you're revising for a final or preparing for a quiz, we've got practical resources to help you feel confident and prepared.

Explore tips for:

• effective revision
• boosting memory and retention
• managing exam stress
• staying focused on exam day. 

More helpful tools

• Explore exams and alternative assessments in the Academic Success Guide.
• Complete the exam preparation self-paced module.

Check out our preparing for exams slides PDF about how to set yourself up for study success. 

Multiple choice exams 

Multiple choice questions are a common feature in online assignments and exams. While they might seem straightforward, answering them well takes more than just guessing. To do well, you’ll need to:

• understand your course content thoroughly
• apply what you’ve learned, not just memorise facts
• use smart strategies to eliminate incorrect options and choose the best answer.

Check out our multiple choice exams PDF on how to prepare for and approach multiple choice questions in an exam with confidence.

Short response exams

Short answer exams test how well you can remember, understand, and apply what you’ve learned in lectures, readings, and tutorials. These questions often ask you to write one or more paragraphs, but you might also be allowed to use dot points, diagrams, or solve problems, depending on the subject. They focus on your ability to:

• directly answer the question (not just write generally about the topic)
• apply your knowledge to specific scenarios or problems
• communicate clearly and concisely.

Check out the short response exams PDF for helpful tips and strategies to succeed.