Instructions for Completing and Submitting your Assignment

6.3. Writing the assignment

• When drafting your assignment, please always keep in mind that the assignment is set on the level of higher education. Therefore, you should not only demonstrate an adequate understanding of theory, but also should show insight into the application of the knowledge. Normally, one mark will be allocated to a well-formulated, full statement. The correct use of subject terminology is essential.

• Clarity of expression is important in an assignment. Write your ideas in full sentences and in a paragraph format. A sentence should ideally only include one basic statement. Examiners and markers prefer succinct sentences rather than long involved sentences. Do not write sentence fragments.

• A paragraph should contain only one main idea that is supported by the other sentences in the paragraph.

• The use of correct forms of spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence structure is one factor in achieving clarity. When marking your assignment, the marker will consider these aspects of written expression in assessing the clarity of your work. You should use the spelling and grammar-checking features on the computer and always proof-read your assignment before submitting it.

• Remember to always write in the third person. The use of first person language such as I, we, us, etc. or the use of slang, informal language, colloquialisms such as telly versus television or stats versus statistics are not acceptable practices in academic writing.

Formatting of PDF upload assignments

The IMM Graduate School requires all assignments to be formatted as follows:

• Assignments must be typed, on plain A4 paper, unless stated otherwise.

• The contents of the assignment must be typed using Arial font, size 12.

• Each question, heading / section must be indicated in bold Arial font, size 12.

• Table of contents to be included.

• Start every question on a new page.

• Use headings and sub-headings to give structure to your answers.

• All headings and sub-headings must be numbered.

• Unless otherwise specified, the text must be justified meaning text should be full flush with both margins or in other words distribute text evenly between the left- and right margin. This excludes the Reference List, which must be left aligned.

• To achieve an uncluttered appearance and allow space for markers' comments, please leave adequate margins (about 3 cm) on either side of the text.

• Spacing between lines should be 1.5.

• Leave an open line between paragraphs

• Single spacing must be used after a full stop or a colon.

• Assignments should be typed on one side of the paper only.

• Your assignment should be written in English (South African) or English (UK). The same should apply when using spellcheck - please use English (South Africa) or English (UK).

• The following information must appear on the top of every assignment page:

• IMM Graduate School student number

• Module name

• Page X of Y (e.g. Page 3 of 5 this numbering convention must be used for every page of your assignment including the Reference List page(s). Please note that the Reference List page(s) at the end of your assignment must be included in this numbering (in the header) as they are part of the total number of pages in your assignment. 

Word limit / Page limit if applicable

• If specified, assignment and project word limits / page limits will be indicated on the assignment question paper or project question paper cover sheet.

• Students are encouraged to produce a concise, well-formulated assignment, in a neat and properly structured format.

• The word count / page count must be indicated on the front cover of the assignment or project in the space provided.

• The examiner will not mark an assignment beyond the limit stated.

 Back up your work

• You must keep a backup copy of your assignment as a precaution against any unforeseen mishap.

• In exceptional cases, the IMM Graduate School may require you to submit a backup copy of an assignment. 

IMM Graduate School’s Guideline to Harvard Referencing

• The IMM Graduate School follows a version of Harvard referencing, the “IMM Graduate School’s Guideline to Harvard Referencing” in the citation of sources in academic texts.

• Please download the IMM Graduate School’s Guideline to Harvard ReferencingfromeLearn and watch the online IMM Graduate School’s Guideline to Harvard Referencing tutorial on eLearn.

• Proper in-text citations are necessary when completing assignments.

• A Reference List must be included at the end of your assignment. A Reference List is a list of ONLY of those sources that you have referenced in the text of your assignment. It is not a Bibliography.

• According to the Harvard Referencing System, a Reference List is arranged alphabetically by author or by title if there is no specific author. Internet sources must also be included and referenced. The use of academic journals and seminal works are encouraged. Refer to the Presentation Mark Rubric attached (when applicable) to individual assignments for a general guideline of the minimum number of sources in the list of references.

NOTE:

• • A textbook is regarded as a single source, even if there are a number of contributors.

  • Please note that the Reference List is left aligned and not fully justified.