Research Fundamentals: Step 1: Know your topic

This guide offers tips to help you get started on your assignments.

Photo courtesy of Flickr: Ron Wiecki

Make sure you understand all the words/phrases you have identified:

• Use a dictionary
• Textbooks can provide a good overview of a topic
• Wikipedia can also help define a topic but do not use it as a reference source.

• Read through your question or task to ensure you understand it
• Consider the objectives or purpose of the subject
• Read the marking criteria carefully
• Identify the type of assignment e.g. essay, report, review etc. 

       then...

• Highlight any keywords/topic words
• Underline any task words (directive words)
• Identify the scope or focus of the topic e.g. limiting to Australian information only, particular date range or population group
• Take note of word limit.

Task words provide you with direction on how to answer your assignment questions.  

Glossary of task words

Need help with your academic work?
Book in a one-on-one session with a librarian or Learning Skills teacher.

Book A Librarian sessions are great for developing your research and referencing skills while for writing skills, book in a session with a Learning Skills teacher. To request a Book A Librarian or Library Skills session email library@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au with your preferred dates and times.

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