IGNOU assignment play a crucial role in the overall evaluation process.
They not only assess your understanding of the course material but also provide an opportunity to showcase your analytical and writing skills.
If you are a student of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), you might be wondering how to write assignments that can fetch you good marks.
Assignments are an important part of your academic programme, as they carry 30% weightage in your final grade.
Therefore, you should pay attention to the quality and presentation of your assignments.
In this article, we will share with you eleven best tips on how to write IGNOU assignments in a best way and score 90% marks.
We will also provide you with some examples to illustrate the points.
By following these tips, you can improve your writing skills and impress your evaluators.
How to Write IGNOU Assignment | 11 Best Tips
Tip 1: Read the instructions and questions carefully
The first step to write a good assignment is to read the instructions and questions carefully.
You should understand what is expected from you and what are the guidelines to follow.
For example, you should know the word limit, the format, the submission date, the cover page details, etc.
You should also read the questions carefully and identify the main keywords and concepts.
To maximize your marks and excel in your IGNOU assignments, it is essential to tailor your answers according to the marks allotted and the level of difficulty.
Each question carries a specific weightage, and understanding this allocation can help you prioritize and allocate your time and effort accordingly.
You should not deviate from the topic or write irrelevant information.
Example:
Suppose you have to answer this question:
Q. Explain the concept of social change and its dimensions. Give examples from Indian society. (10 marks)
The main keywords are social change, dimensions, examples, and Indian society.
You should focus on these aspects and write a clear and concise answer that covers all the points.
Tip 2: Use only foolscap size paper or A4 size paper and write neatly
The second tip is to use only foolscap size paper or A4 size paper to write your IGNOU assignments.
You should not use thin paper or any other size paper.
The assignments should be written neatly and legibly with a black or blue ballpoint pen.
You should not use pencil, gel pen, sketch pen, or any other color pen.
Do not type or else your submission will be rejected.
You should write on both sides of the paper, but leave some margin (4-5 cm) on all sides for the evaluator’s comments.
You should also leave some space between each answer and each paragraph.
Remember, you should not overwrite or cut any words.
If you make any mistake, you should use a single line to strike it off.
Tip 3: Conduct In-depth Research for IGNOU Assignment
To write a high-scoring IGNOU assignment, conducting thorough research is crucial.
Utilize a variety of sources, including textbooks, academic journals, online databases, and reliable websites, to gather information relevant to your topic.
A well-researched assignment demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter and strengthens your arguments.
Example:
If your assignment requires an analysis of the impact of social media on society, conducting research would involve exploring scholarly articles that discuss the effects of social media on interpersonal relationships, mental health, and political discourse.
Integrating such research findings into your assignment would add credibility and depth to your arguments.
Tip 4: Demonstrate Originality and Critical Appreciation in Your Assignments
In order to excel in your IGNOU assignments and score 90% marks or more, it is crucial to showcase your originality and critical appreciation skills.
Avoid the temptation to copy-paste content from fellow learners or the course material itself.
Instead, strive to present unique perspectives and interpretations based on your understanding of the subject matter.
Demonstrating originality involves integrating your own thoughts, insights, and analysis into your assignments.
Engage critically with the course material, question established theories, and offer innovative solutions or perspectives.
Support your arguments with relevant evidence and examples, demonstrating your ability to think independently and critically evaluate different viewpoints.
By showcasing your originality and critical appreciation, you not only differentiate your work from others but also show a deeper understanding and mastery of the course material.
This approach not only impresses the evaluators but also enhances your learning experience and fosters intellectual growth.
So, embrace your unique perspective and let your originality shine through in your IGNOU assignments.
Tip 5: Structure and Organize Your Thoughts
A well-structured assignment enhances readability and ensures coherence.
Divide your assignment into logical sections, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Each section should have a clear purpose and contribute to the overall flow of your ideas.
Always write the IGNOU assignment in your own words.
Use headings and subheadings to create a hierarchical structure and guide the reader through your arguments.
Example:
Suppose your assignment requires you to propose solutions to the challenges faced by renewable energy adoption.
In the introduction, provide an overview of the importance of renewable energy and outline the main obstacles.
Each subsequent paragraph can focus on a specific challenge, along with supporting evidence and potential solutions.
Conclude by summarizing the key points and emphasizing the significance of implementing renewable energy strategies.
Tip 6: Demonstrate Critical Thinking and Analysis
Scoring high marks in IGNOU assignments requires more than just presenting facts.
It involves demonstrating critical thinking skills and analytical abilities.
Engage with the course material by evaluating different perspectives, comparing theories, and questioning assumptions.
Support your arguments with relevant examples, data, and logical reasoning.
Example:
Suppose your assignment involves comparing two literary works.
Instead of simply summarizing the plots, delve deeper into the themes, character development, and symbolism employed by the authors.
Analyze the similarities and differences between the works, considering the historical context or social commentary they offer.
Supporting your analysis with textual evidence and critical insights will showcase your ability to think critically and analyze literary texts.
Tip 7: Polish Your Writing
Effective communication is vital in achieving a high score for your IGNOU assignment.
Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and free from grammatical errors.
Pay attention to sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
Use appropriate vocabulary and avoid excessive jargon or informal language.
Proofread your assignment meticulously before submission to eliminate any mistakes or inconsistencies.
Example:
In the context of a sociology assignment exploring gender inequality, clarity in writing involves using precise language to explain sociological concepts and theories.
It is important to convey complex ideas in a manner that is accessible to readers.
Avoiding run-on sentences or ambiguous phrases and maintaining a consistent writing style will improve the overall quality of your assignment.
Tip 8: Develop a Strong Thesis Statement
A well-crafted thesis statement sets the tone for your entire assignment and provides a clear direction for your arguments.
It should be concise, specific, and arguable.
A strong thesis statement not only guides your writing but also demonstrates your critical thinking skills.
Example:
Topic: “Discuss the impact of climate change on biodiversity conservation.”
Weak thesis statement: “Climate change affects biodiversity conservation.”
Strong thesis statement: “The accelerating rate of climate change poses a significant threat to global biodiversity conservation efforts due to its adverse impact on species’ habitats, migration patterns, and ecological interactions.”
The strong thesis statement provides a specific focus on the effects of climate change on biodiversity conservation and highlights the key aspects to be discussed in the assignment.
Tip 9: Provide Evidence and Examples in IGNOU Assignment
To support your arguments effectively, include relevant evidence and examples.
This demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter and reinforces your claims.
Utilize a mix of primary and secondary sources, such as research studies, statistical data, expert opinions, and real-world examples.
Example:
Suppose you are discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture.
Advantages: “According to a study conducted by XYZ (2019), genetically modified crops have shown increased resistance to pests, leading to higher crop yields.
For instance, Bt cotton, a genetically modified variety, has demonstrated a significant reduction in the need for chemical pesticides, resulting in improved profitability for farmers.”
Disadvantages: “However, critics argue that the use of GMOs may have potential environmental consequences.
The case of glyphosate-resistant weeds, such as Palmer amaranth, highlights the unintended consequences of widespread GMO adoption, as farmers have resorted to increased herbicide usage, leading to ecosystem imbalances and the development of superweeds.”
By incorporating evidence and examples, you strengthen your arguments and showcase a balanced understanding of the topic.
Tip 10: Incorporate Real-life Case Studies
Real-life case studies provide practical applications of theoretical concepts and add depth to your assignment.
They demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and highlight the relevance of the topic being discussed.
Example:
Suppose you are exploring the challenges of implementing inclusive education in developing countries.
Case study: “In India, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) program aimed to achieve universal elementary education, including children with disabilities.
However, a study conducted by ABC (2021) found that despite the government’s efforts, numerous challenges persist.
For instance, limited infrastructure, lack of trained teachers, and societal stigma continue to hinder the full integration of children with disabilities into mainstream classrooms.
The case of Mohan, a visually impaired student who faced discrimination and inadequate support, exemplifies the need for a comprehensive approach to inclusive education.”
By incorporating real-life case studies, you demonstrate your understanding of the complexities involved in implementing inclusive education and provide a practical context for your arguments.
Tip 11: Revise and Edit Your IGNOU Assignment
Proofreading and editing are essential steps to ensure a polished and error-free assignment.
Take the time to review your work for clarity, coherence, grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Eliminating mistakes improves the overall quality of your assignment and enhances your chances of achieving a higher score.
Example:
During the revision process, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are my arguments clear and logically structured?
- Are there any grammatical or spelling errors that need to be corrected?
- Does each paragraph contribute to the overall coherence of my assignment?
- Have I followed the prescribed formatting and citation guidelines?
- Have I adhered to the word count limit?
By conducting a thorough revision and edit, you can ensure that your assignment is well-presented and free from errors that may distract the reader.
Conclusion:
By following these 11 tips, you can significantly enhance your chances of scoring 90% or more in your IGNOU assignments.
Remember, consistent practice and regular feedback from tutors can further sharpen your assignment writing abilities.
With dedication and attention to detail, you can excel academically and achieve remarkable scores in your IGNOU assignment.
