Basic English Language Skills
Developed for Oxbridge Academy
HERE ARE 10 TIPS FOR HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE HIGHER 
MARKS FOR YOUR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:
1.  Read (and follow) the instructions carefully.
If you are an Oxbridge Academy student, the general assignment 
guidelines will be provided in your “Success” Study Guide. Specific 
instructions will also be included at the beginning of each of your 
assignments.
2.  Read the questions carefully.
Make sure you understand what is being asked of you, so that you 
focus on answering the right questions, instead of providing irrelevant 
information.
 
3.  Remember that presentation is important.
Neatness, spelling, and the structure of your assignment will all count 
toward the mark that you receive for your assignment.
4. Use your course material and other external sources to find answers 
to the assignment questions.
But make sure to use your own words – don’t just copy. You need to show 
the person marking your assignment that you have developed a sound 
understanding of the subject.
5.  When you use ext ernal resources, remember to reference them 
properly, and to include them in  a bibliography.
If you don’t, you may be guilty of plagiarism (www.oxforddictionaries.
com/definition/english/plagiarism), which is a serious offence.
6.  Always hand in your own work,  and make sure that you use your 
own words when you formulate your answers.
7.  When it comes to essay ques tions:
• Plan/outline your answer before doing the final draft.
• Remember that essays have titles, introductions, bodies, and 
conclusions.
• Use headings and paragraphs to structure your answer.