Giving your essay or assignment a proper flow

Assignments or coursework is an essential part of all the academic programs. These tasks are aimed at assessing the student for his/her application of theories taught during the classroom lectures. Assignments usually take the form of short-length essays, journals, and case-study and coursework questions. Being of limited length, it becomes a challenge to provide all needed information in the prescribed word limit along with an interesting as well as meaningful introduction and a comprehensive interpretation-based conclusion.

Flow of an assignment

The word “Flow” is often used by lecturers to describe how your essay or assignment should move from point to point. Many times while writing short assignments, writers focus solely on theory, trying to provide as much information on the assignment topic as possible. Thus it is easy to lose sight of the overall cohesion of the essay. Maintaining a proper flow of theory and interpretation is equally important. Otherwise readers may lose their way and it will become difficult to draw conclusion out of the information provided. The following points shall help you maintain a proper flow in your paper:

1. Avoid bullet points or numbering unless otherwise specified because it unnecessarily disrupts the reader’s flow while reading. Arguments and critical evaluation cannot be explained through bullet points.
2. Avoid jumping into new topics or content before a proper finish line to the previous one and make sure when you start writing on a new topic it is related to the previous topic and adheres to the objectives of the assignment. Once you start writing, divide the content into headings and sub-headings. Accordingly assign the number of words to them.
3. Connect all your topics and information in different paragraphs throughout the assignment. While you are finishing the paragraph, you should already know what you are going to write next. The two paragraphs must have a strong connection and as your paper progresses it will create chained information. Avoid information gaps and the reader must not be made to find what he/she is looking for. You may create a flow chart to evaluate what and when to write. For example: Suppose the topic is “The fight for oil”

   

4. Stick to the assignment question and don’t stray away from the question. For example, if an assignment asks for critical evaluation and you start to explain too much theory on the subject, then it will be irrelevant.