1.

ASSIGNMENT STRUCTURE AND PRESENTATION

1.1 Text
• Please note that handwritten assignments will not be accepted.
• All assignments should be typed on A4 size white paper in black ink only. No colour
is to be used for text in any part of the assignment.
• The only acceptable font to be used is Arial size 12.
• Upper case may only be used for headings on the title page and structure headings.
• Bold text may only be used for section headings and subheadings and for
emphasizing specific words or sentences.
• Italics may be used for non-English words.
• Text must be fully justified, not aligned to left.
• Text must be spaced at one-and-a-half line spacing.
• Avoid using any other formatting such as underlining, borders and shading.

1.2 Paragraphs
• Text must be presented in the form of paragraphs.
• Each paragraph should only contain one idea or principle for discussion.
• Generally, paragraphs should generally not be shorter than 4-5 typed lines or
longer than 25-30 typed lines.
• Paragraphs should be separated by one line only (except close to the bottom of a
page), with NO first line indent.
• Always begin a new paragraph that is close to the bottom of a page at the top of
the next page. This will avoid having only one line of a paragraph on a page (either
top or bottom).
• Where lists of items or sentences nor forming a paragraph are made, it is
permissible to use bulleted lists. Clear, simple shapes should be used for bullets;
avoid picture-style bullets. The bullets in this document are a good example of
appropriate bullet use.

1
• Section headings and subheadings are an essential part of the body of the
assignment. Such headings should be clearly indicated through use of numbering
and bold text.
• Generally, section headings should contain more than one paragraph.
• It is not appropriate to use multiple sub-headings each only relating to one
paragraph; rather group multiple paragraphs under a single heading.
• Heading and subheading starting pages must be indicated in the table of contents.

1.3 Spelling and Grammar

• These two entities ARE important. There is no excuse for any glaringly obvious
spelling or grammar error in an assignment.
• Spelling and grammar, including medical terms, must follow the UK or SA English
and not US English.
• Commonly used word processing software packages have a spell-checking facility
as well as a grammar checking facility – use this function.
• For medical terms, consult a medical dictionary as it is important to use the correct
medical terminology as opposed to lay terms.
• Have someone proofread your assignment; this person needs no medical
knowledge but rather a good command of English. This can eliminate most
grammatical errors.

1.4 Page Numbering

• Pages MUST be numbered in the following way:
o Consecutively, NOT including the title page or table of contents o Using

standard numerals 1,2,3 etc (no Roman numerals)

o Page numbers must be displayed at the bottom of the page on the right

hand side.

1.5 General
• No borders, watermarks or unessential pictures should be used.

2
• The assignment should not be bound or punched and placed in a fancy cover. A
staple should be placed in the top left corner and, if desired, the assignment can
be placed in an envelope or clear plastic sleeve.
• The page setup should be A4, portrait orientation, with 2.5cm borders.
• The assignment length, excluding reference list, should not deviate more than
±10% of the assigned word count.

2. ASSIGNMENT CONTENT

The assignment should contain the following parts/headings as absolute requirements.

Work that does not conform to this format will NOT be considered for marking.

2.1 Title Page

This should contain the title of the assignment, the module name, the lecturer’s name,
the dates for submission and the student’s name and student number. No pictures,
borders or coloured print is required.

2.2 Table of Contents

This should contain the heading “TABLE OF CONTENTS”. Different sections of the
assignment should be listed in a column on the left side of the page with corresponding
page numbers listed in a column on the right side of the page.

2.3 Text
The following parts of your work are required to be set out in chronological order:

2.3.1 Introduction
The introduction should introduce the topic specifically and present the aims to be
discussed. This allows the reader to know if the aims of the assignment will be met,
and crates an expectation of the direction the discussion will be taking. As such, the
introduction should correlate to the discussion. The introduction should also include a

3
description of how the references used were obtained. A brief discussion on databases
used and search strategies employed is required.

2.3.2 Discussion
This deals with the focused, detailed description and discussion of your topic. In this
section it is essential to show a correct and in-depth understanding of the topic. The
discussion must always remain relevant to the aims and be presented in a clear and
logical format. Correct interpretation of data to formulate opinion is a main aim of
assignment writing.

The following points should also be considered:

• Emotive language must be avoided.
• An opinion should be formulated, from which professional practice can be guided.
• Avoid excessive use of direct quotations; only quote that which can be said in no
other way.

Diagrams, charts, and pictures may be used if appropriate. These should be clearly
labelled and explained in text. Copyright laws must be followed; usually these allow for
single use copying of a textbook or journal; however, it must be correctly referenced.

2.3.3 Conclusion
This is a brief summary of what you have explained and discussed in the previous
section. It is not a list of topics covered in the discussion, where the main points of the
discussion are given. No new ideas are to be brought up or explored here. Any gaps
in the existing research may be mentioned here, as are needs for further research.

2.3.4 Acknowledgments
Names of persons or organisations that have contributed to the content of your
assignment or provided some other kind of assistance. This section may be omitted
if not applicable.

2.3.5 References
• Acknowledgment of another’s work.

4
• The Harvard method must be followed exactly, as detailed in the booklet available
at the institutional library.
• All statements, quotes, diagrams, etc must be referenced to indicate source both
to acknowledge and prove validity of argument.
• There is no generic appropriate number of references. The volume of references
depends on the topic and the quality determines appropriateness.
• The search strategy will determine quality of references found: textbooks and
journal articles are usually of better quality than websites and personal
communications.
• A bibliography (sources not directly used but contributing to a background
understanding of the topic) is not required.

3. GENERAL

3.1 Plagiarism
Defined as: “Taking and using (another person’s ideas, writings or inventions) as one’s
own”. All assignment content is to be the original creation of the student. You must,
obviously, use referenced sources for information but the writing on the page MUST
BE YOURS, NOT SOMEONE ELSE’S. Completing an assignment is intended to
develop your skills in critical and analytical reading, thinking and writing, not to see
how much information you can COPY and PASTE from journals, textbooks or the
internet.

Please complete and attach the signed plagiarism declaration (Annexure 1) to each
assignment that you submit for marking. If this declaration is not attached, or not
completed in full, your assignment will not be marked.
All assignments must also be submitted through Turnitin and the Turnitin report must
be included as part of your submission. Please note that the maximum allowed
percentage for the similarity index is 20%.

5
You also need to consult the Academic Writing Centre at the library for any
assignment. The Academic Writing Centre will provide proof of consultation which will
form part of your assignment submission.

Please ensure that you are familiar with the Institutional Plagiarism Policy.

3.2 Marking of Assignments

If the assignment is handed in late, 10% of the total mark will be deducted for each full
day that has lapsed between the marking date and the date that the assignment is
finally handed in. Assignments handed in five days or more after the deadline will
not be considered for marking.

3.3 Rejection of Assignments

Assignments may be rejected after the marking date for the following reasons:
• Plagiarism.
• Absence of references and/or citations.
• Copyright infringements.
• Failure to submit through Turnitin.

Rejected assignments will not be marked.

3.4 Mark Allocation

Marks will be allocated for both format and content, but the content will be weighted
more heavily. Annexure 2 will be used for assignment format mark allocation.