If you’re a student, you know that assignments are a big part of your grade. But what if you’re not getting the grades you want, even though you’re putting in the effort? It could be that you’re overlooking a crucial part of the assignment: presentation and formatting.
It is one of the most common mistakes we’ve seen students make in their, and trust us, it does take away some of your points and immensely affects your overall grading.
What do we mean by presentation and formatting?
Presentation and formatting refer to the overall look and feel of your assignment. This includes things like the font you use, the font size, the margins, the spacing, the headings and subheadings, and the use of images and tables.
As a student, it is vital to remember that your professors are not only grading your content but also your presentation and formatting. If you submit an assignment that is poorly presented or formatted, it will likely make a negative impression and may result in a lower grade.
But What if you don’t know how to effectively present your assignment?
Don’t worry we’ve got you covered!
In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most common mistakes students make when it comes to presentation and formatting and share some tips on how to improve these skills. We will also discuss the importance of presentation and formatting in academic writing.
By following our tips, you can ensure that your assignments are well-presented and formatted and that you are making a good impression on your professors.
So let’s get started!
The Importance of Presentation and Formatting In Assignments
Professors are busy people, and they have to grade a lot of papers. If your assignment is poorly presented or formatted, it will be difficult for them to read and evaluate your work. This is why it is important to take the time to format your assignments correctly.
A well-presented assignment is easier to read and understand, and it shows that the student has taken the time to put their best effort into their work. Moreover, it is more likely to get a higher grade than an assignment that is poorly presented and formatted.
It not only gives off an excellent impression to the observer but also helps you get into the practice of producing outstanding documents and presentations, which will help you a lot in your professional career as well.
Now, let’s discuss some of the common mistakes you make while giving your assignment its final form and how you can avoid them.
Read on to find out!
Common Presentation and Formatting Mistakes in Assignments and How to Improve Them:
Here are some of the most common mistakes students make when it comes to assignment presentation and formatting with their solution:
1. Using a cluttered and inconsistent font:
Yes, we get it; when you are new to Microsoft Word and see loads of fascinating fonts, it does get a little exciting. But if you overdo it, your assignment also ends up looking absurd. Therefore, it is important to use a clear and consistent font throughout your assignment.
How to improve it:
Choose a font that is easy to read, and that is appropriate for the type of assignment you are writing. For example, you may want to use a different font for a research paper than you would for a creative writing assignment.
Additionally, avoid using fancy fonts or fonts that are too small or too large. A good rule of thumb is to use a 12-point font in Calibri, Times New Roman, or Arial font.
2. Not using headings and subheadings:
Neglecting the use of headings and subheadings in your writing can lead to a disorganized and confusing presentation. Without clear markers to delineate different sections, readers might find it challenging to follow the flow of your ideas.
Headings and subheadings help to organize your text and make it easier to read. They also help to break up your text and make it more visually appealing. By omitting them, you risk losing your audience’s attention and diminishing the overall impact of your work.
How to improve it:
Use headings and subheadings to indicate the main topics and subtopics of your assignment. Divide them into H1, H2 and H3 to make your assignment appear presentable and accurately reflect the content of the section you are trying to introduce.
3. Not using bullet points and numbered lists:
If you are not using bullet points or numbered lists in your assignment, you’re doing it wrong. These items help to section your text into small readable bits and make it more visually appealing. Most professors give bonus points to students who make their assignments more presentable and easy to read via bullet points and numbering.
How to improve it:
You can use bullet points to make lists, to provide instructions, or to summarize key points and numbered lists to list items in a specific order, such as steps in a process or items in chronological order.
4. Not using images and tables:
Images and tables can be used to support your points and make your assignment more engaging. Without them, your assignment may look like a boring document with words thrown onto it and no immediate information to deliver. Whether it is for academic writing or professional presentation, using infographics can make you appear more knowledgeable and expert in your topic.
How to improve it:
Use images and tables to illustrate your ideas, to present data, or to compare and contrast different concepts. However, the images and tables you use should be relevant to the topic of your assignment and should be properly cited.
5. Not proofreading your work:
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your assignment is not proofreading it before submitting. It is crucial to proofread your work carefully before submitting it. Proofreading can help you to catch any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
How to improve it:
Proofread your work carefully before submitting it. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to proofread your work for you. Moreover, there are several online editors like Grammarly and ProWritingAid that can help you identify your grammar or punctuation mistakes.
Bonus Tips for Making Your Assignments Stand Out
In addition to the tips above, here are some additional tips for making your assignments stand out to teachers:
- Choose a topic that you are interested in and passionate about. This will make it easier for you to write about, and your enthusiasm will come through in your work.
- Do your research and make sure that your assignment is well-informed. Use credible sources to support your claims and provide evidence to back up your arguments.
- Be creative and original in your thinking. Don’t be afraid to challenge the norm or offer new perspectives.
- Write in a clear and concise style. Avoid using jargon and technical language that your teacher may not understand.s
- Proofread your work carefully before you submit it. Make sure that there are no errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
Summing Up!
In short, we highly recommend you pay close attention to your assignment presentation and formatting. It can make a whole lot of difference in your final grades and help you out in your professional life, too.
These tips are some of the major secrets behind the consistent success of our assignments, and we hope you’ve found them helpful, too. And even if you didn’t, we are always here to help you out!
