what is coursework task

What is Coursework?

Table of Contents

Definition and Meaning

So what is coursework? Coursework is an integral part of the educational process, which refers to written or practical tasks that students perform during educational courses. These assignments are typically evaluated and contribute to the final grade or mark. The coursework definition, especially the term “curriculum-mandated” signifies that instructors are required to assign coursework within certain guidelines. This aspect of academic work is crucial as it extends learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.

While some coursework may involve practical tasks conducted within the classroom, a significant portion is often completed independently by students, such as in their homes or dormitories. Notably, certain colleges in Texas are adopting policies that mandate a minimum of 20% of writing coursework to be completed in class, under the supervision of educators. This approach ensures the authenticity of students’ work and provides an opportunity for direct observation of their writing skills.

Additionally, it’s common for students to access previously submitted coursework online, serving as a resource for their own assignments. However, when utilizing such materials, it is imperative to thoroughly rewrite and adapt the content to maintain originality and avoid plagiarism.

Types and Examples of Coursework

The many faces of coursework.

So, what is coursework? Coursework isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It morphs to fit the subject, the course, and the learning objectives. Here’s a snapshot:

• Essays and Written Assignments. From reflective pieces to extensive research papers, these are staples in humanities and social sciences.
• Lab Reports and Scientific Research. Science and engineering students often get hands-on with experiments, followed by detailed reporting.
• Art and Design Portfolios. For the creatives, it’s about showcasing their artistic journey through portfolios.
• Group Projects and Presentations. These emphasize collaboration and communication skills, common in business and management courses.
• Fieldwork and Case Studies. Especially in disciplines like anthropology or marketing, where real-world application is key.

Examples in Different Fields

• Biology Coursework. Might involve a lab-based investigation into a specific biological phenomenon.
• Literature Coursework. Could be an analysis of a particular literary work or a comparative study of multiple pieces.
• Computer Science Coursework. Often involves coding projects or developing software solutions.

Importance and Objectives

More than just grades.

What is coursework? Coursework is about more than chasing an ‘A’. It’s an integral part of the learning process. Through coursework, you:

• Develop Critical Skills. Like research, analysis, and problem-solving.
• Apply Theoretical Knowledge. It’s your chance to use what you’ve learned in a practical context.
• Prepare for the Future. Whether it’s further academic pursuits or the professional world, coursework lays the groundwork.

Educational Objectives

Graduate coursework, in particular, is designed to deepen expertise in a field. It’s less about memorizing facts and more about developing a sophisticated understanding of complex concepts.

Challenges and Strategies

Common roadblocks.

• Time Management: Juggling multiple assignments can be overwhelming.
• Understanding Requirements: Sometimes, assignment briefs are as clear as mud.
• Maintaining Academic Integrity: The line between inspiration and plagiarism can get blurry.

Navigating the Coursework Maze

• Start Early: Procrastination is your enemy. Begin as soon as you get the assignment.
• Seek Clarification: If you’re not sure, ask. Better safe than sorry.
• Use Resources Wisely: Libraries, online databases, and even study groups can be goldmines.

Helpful Sources

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Merriam-Webster
• Can you attend two colleges at once ?

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, what is coursework? Coursework is an indispensable part of the academic journey. It’s where theory meets practice, where skills are honed, and knowledge is deepened. As education continues to evolve with technology and changing societal needs, so does coursework. It adapts, transforms, and continues to play a crucial role in shaping competent, well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world. So, embrace your coursework – it’s not just a stepping stone to a grade, but a pathway to learning, growth, and success.

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What is Coursework

First of all, you need to understand what is coursework and how to write it. When one is writing a coursework, they have to do profound research that will reveal their knowledge base. A coursework may consist of design studies, field work, projects, long essays, and other kinds of work. Depending on the particular course, it can be performed in a number of ways. You need to write a coursework not only to show what you know about a particular subject and enlarge your knowledge base but also to prepare yourself to deal with the work you will need to perform in the future.

The Oxford Dictionary defines coursework as the type of practical or written work performed by a student and assessed by their professor. Hopefully, it makes the coursework meaning clearer for you.

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Why coursework is necessary and who assigns it.

Now when you know what is coursework, you also have to understand why it is needed. Usually, a student's mentor or teacher assigns coursework as it is a part of the course structure. Writing a coursework is important since it helps the student reflect on what they have learned from the given course. Realizing the coursework meaning, one can understand the material better and see how their knowledge can be applied in various situations. This type of work also reveals the student's way of thinking and helps them learn how to express their thoughts. Coursework has an utterly diverse nature. A student's instructor can ask them to perform it in a written way and work on an essay, term paper, or thesis (this form of coursework is the most widespread). A coursework can also be done in a more creative way; for example, a student may be asked to create a sculpture. At times, taking a test is preferred by the instructor. In some cases, several types of coursework can be combined into one. Choosing a specific type or a combination of types depends on the course. Whatever the kind of coursework is, it always requires being evaluated. The student's mark will be based on their understanding of the topic, creativity, as well as on the innovative aspect of their work.

How to Perform the Most Important Types of Coursework?

Even understanding the coursework meaning, students have mixed feelings on it. Some of them like to do research, learn new information, and write about the results, while for others, it seems to be an unnecessary task, or even a burden. Whichever opinion is true for you, being a student, you will still have to write a coursework at some point. For this reason, you need to know how to do it successfully. Below you see the list of rules and guidelines that will make this task easier for you.

Read these steps carefully and make sure you follow them as they will help you get started.

Coursework that requires writing:

• Carry out superficial research on the topic of your coursework.
• Settle on your topic.
• Work on the structure of your coursework.
• Make a summary or an abstract and confirm it with your instructor.
• Conduct profound research to find all the information you need.
• While writing, keep on researching the topic more.
• When you are done, check your coursework for plagiarism.
• Make a reference list.

To make sure that your coursework features a good content that is clear and easy-to-understand for your reader, work on the structure of your work. Check out if you maintain its consistency, use relevant information, complete your topic, and make it look concise.<

Coursework that requires to create a model, sculpture, or artwork:

• Find a design or concept you like.
• See how it can be applied to the area of your study.
• Think about what you want to create and decide on the scale of this object.
• Decide what kind of materials you need to finalize your work.
• Find everything you need for creating your artwork.
• Make sure that you have a mental image of the result and make a rough sketch of it.
• Begin working!

Key points you should consider:

• Originality - You need to be sure that your topic or idea is original. It is an extremely important point you have to keep in mind from the very beginning of your work. Numerous researches are being done by numerous people, so you have to make yours stand out.
• Need - Your coursework should be able to answer certain questions or find solutions. For that, it has to identify the key problems and help the reader understand them clearly.
• Uniqueness - Both your topic and your content have to be unique. Make sure to avoid plagiarism and never copy information from other sources. Conduct surveys or prepare questionnaires to add originality to the content of your coursework.
• Your input - This aspect is very important. When working on your coursework, you need to reflect on your topic a lot and understand how you can apply it. If you do it, the purpose of writing a coursework is served. For this reason, do your best to make as much input in your work as possible.
• Outcomes & future applications - Even if you have worked hard and put a lot of effort into writing your coursework, it can turn out to be a failure in case you do not show useful outcomes. Therefore, you need to provide a well-made analysis of the information you used. Make a well-structured conclusion for your topic and talk about the way it can be researched further.

If you keep all these points in mind and follow the guidelines, you will certainly write a good coursework.

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Coursework: Definition, Types, Format & How-To Guide

What is coursework.

Coursework refers to the tasks and assignments assigned to students as part of their educational curriculum. These tasks are typically meant to be completed outside of regular classroom hours and are designed to assess a student’s understanding and mastery of the material covered in their courses.

Table of Contents

Coursework Types:

Below are some common types of coursework:

Descriptive Essays: Focus on detailing and describing a topic. Argumentative Essays: Present arguments for and against a particular issue. Narrative Essays: Tell a story or discuss an experience. Expository Essays: Explain a topic in a straightforward manner.

Research Papers

In-depth studies based on independent research, involving the collection and analysis of data, and typically including a literature review , methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections.

Lab Reports

Common in science courses, documenting experiments, methodologies , results, and analyses.

Presentations

Oral presentations often accompanied by visual aids like PowerPoint slides, aimed at conveying information clearly and engagingly.

Practical or creative tasks that require planning and execution over a period. They often culminate in a final product or presentation.

Case Studies

In-depth analyses of a particular instance, organization, or phenomenon, often used in business, law, and medical courses.

Collections of work over a period showcasing skills, accomplishments, and progress in a particular area.

Quizzes and Tests

Regular assessments to gauge understanding of the material. Quizzes are usually shorter, while tests can be more comprehensive.

Homework Assignments

Routine tasks assigned to reinforce classroom learning, typically involving problem-solving or reading.

Practical activities conducted outside the classroom, common in disciplines like geology, anthropology, and environmental science.

Group Projects

Collaborative assignments requiring teamwork to complete a task or solve a problem, often culminating in a joint presentation or report.

Discussion Posts

Contributions to online discussion boards, requiring students to engage with peers on course-related topics.

Thesis and Dissertations

Extensive research projects required for completion of graduate degrees, demonstrating original research and significant academic contribution.

Coursework Purpose:

Coursework serves several key purposes in the educational process, contributing to the development of students in various ways:

Assessment and Evaluation:

Coursework allows educators to assess students’ understanding and mastery of the subject matter. It provides a more comprehensive evaluation than exams alone, as it can include a variety of assignments such as essays, projects, presentations, and practical activities.

Skill Development:

Through coursework, students develop a range of skills that are essential for their academic and professional lives. These include research skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and written and oral communication.

Application of Knowledge:

Coursework often requires students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. This helps in reinforcing learning and understanding the real-world relevance of the subject matter.

Independent Learning:

Completing coursework encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. It promotes independent study, self-discipline, and the ability to work without constant supervision.

Engagement and Interest:

Well-designed coursework can engage students by allowing them to explore topics of interest within the subject. This can foster a deeper interest in the field and motivate further study.

Feedback and Improvement:

Coursework provides an opportunity for feedback from instructors, which is crucial for student development. Constructive feedback helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

Preparation for Future Challenges:

Coursework often simulates tasks and challenges that students will face in their future careers. It prepares them for the demands of the workplace and further academic pursuits by providing relevant and practical experiences.

Coursework Format:

When formatting coursework, it’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. However, general guidelines for coursework formatting typically include the following components:

1. Title Page

Title of the Assignment Your Name Course Title Instructor’s Name Date of Submission

2. Abstract

A brief summary of the contents of the coursework (if required).

3. Table of Contents

List all sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers.

4. Introduction

Introduce the topic. State the purpose and objectives of the coursework. Outline the structure of the document.

5. Main Body

Literature Review: Summarize and critique relevant literature. Methodology: Describe the methods used for research or analysis. Results/Findings: Present the data or findings. Discussion: Interpret the results and discuss their implications. Analysis: Provide a detailed analysis of the results (if required).

6. Conclusion

Summarize the main points. Restate the significance of the findings. Suggest possible future research or applications.

7. References

List all sources cited in your coursework. Follow the citation style specified by your instructor (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

8. Appendices

Include any additional material such as raw data, detailed calculations, questionnaires, etc.

Formatting Guidelines

• Font: Typically, Times New Roman, 12-point.
• Spacing: Double-spaced or as specified.
• Margins: Usually 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Page Numbers: Include page numbers, usually in the bottom right corner.
• Headings and Subheadings: Use a clear and consistent format for headings and subheadings.
• Figures and Tables: Label and number all figures and tables. Provide a caption for each.

How to Write Coursework?

Writing coursework can be a challenging task, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process much smoother. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you write effective coursework:

1. Understand the Requirements

Read the instructions carefully: Ensure you fully understand what is expected, including the topic, format, length, and any specific guidelines. Clarify doubts: If any part of the assignment is unclear, ask your instructor for clarification.

2. Choose a Topic

Select a relevant topic: Pick a topic that interests you and meets the coursework requirements. Narrow down your focus: Ensure the topic is specific enough to cover within the given word limit.

3. Conduct Research

Gather sources: Use books, academic journals, credible websites, and other reliable sources. Take notes: Organize your notes by themes or sections to make it easier to reference later. Evaluate sources: Ensure your sources are credible and relevant to your topic.

4. Plan and Outline

Create an outline: Organize your main points and supporting details into a logical structure. This will serve as a roadmap for your coursework. Include sections: Typical sections might include an introduction, literature review, methodology (for research-based coursework), results, discussion, and conclusion.

5. Write the Introduction

Introduce the topic: Provide background information and context. State your thesis: Clearly state the purpose or main argument of your coursework. Outline the structure : Briefly describe what each section will cover.

6. Develop the Body

Follow your outline: Write each section according to your plan. Use evidence: Support your arguments with evidence from your research. Analyze critically: Don’t just describe your sources; analyze and interpret them. Stay focused: Keep each paragraph focused on a single idea.

7. Write the Conclusion

Summarize key points: Recap the main arguments or findings of your coursework. Restate your thesis: Reinforce how your evidence supports your thesis. Implications and future work: Mention any implications of your work and potential areas for further research.

8. Cite Your Sources

Follow citation guidelines: Use the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Include a bibliography or reference list: List all sources you referenced in your coursework.

9. Edit and Proofread

Take a break: After writing, take some time away from your work before revising it. Check for coherence: Ensure your arguments flow logically from one to the next. Proofread: Look for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues. Seek feedback: Have a peer or mentor review your coursework and provide feedback.

10. Finalize Your Work

Make revisions: Based on feedback and your own review, make necessary revisions. Format properly: Ensure your coursework adheres to the required formatting guidelines. Submit on time: Ensure you submit your coursework by the deadline.

How to List Coursework on Resume?

Listing coursework on a resume can be an effective way to highlight your relevant skills and knowledge, especially if you are a recent graduate or if the coursework is particularly pertinent to the job you are applying for. Here are some steps and tips on how to include coursework on your resume:

1. Choose Relevant Coursework

Select courses that are directly related to the job or industry. Focus on advanced courses or those that provided you with specialized skills or knowledge.

2. Create a Dedicated Section

Title the section appropriately: Use headings like “Relevant Coursework,” “Coursework,” or “Related Courses.” Placement: This section can be placed after your education section or within it.

3. Format the Coursework Section

List Format: Use bullet points or a list format to make it easy to read. Detailing: You can simply list the course titles, or provide a brief description of what you learned or accomplished in each course.

4. Include Key Projects or Achievements

Highlight specific projects or significant achievements within your coursework that are relevant to the job. Use a bullet point under the course to describe major projects, research, or papers.

5. Keep It Concise

Do not overload this section; include 4-6 courses that are most relevant. Avoid listing basic or introductory courses unless they are particularly relevant.

Coursework Resume Example Layouts

Example 1: list format.

Relevant Coursework:

Data Structures and Algorithms Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Database Management Systems Software Development and Design Operating Systems

Example 2: Detailed Format

Data Structures and Algorithms: Studied various data structures, including linked lists, trees, and graphs, and their algorithmic applications. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: Explored supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, neural networks, and deep learning. Database Management Systems: Covered database design, SQL, and NoSQL databases, and data normalization. Software Development and Design: Focused on software engineering principles, design patterns, and agile methodologies. Operating Systems: Examined operating system concepts, including process management, memory management, and file systems.

Coursework vs Research:

Below are key differences between coursework and research:

• The goal of coursework is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of a subject through a structured curriculum while the goal of research is to contribute new knowledge to a specific field through original investigation.
• Coursework involves attending lectures, participating in discussions, completing assignments, and taking exams while research involves identifying a problem or question, conducting a literature review, designing a study, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings.
• Evaluations in coursework are based on performance in assignments, projects, presentations, and exams while evaluations in research are based on the originality, significance, and rigor of the research work, often culminating in a thesis or dissertation.
• Coursework aims to develop a broad foundation of knowledge, skills, and competencies in a specific field while research focuses on deep, specialized study and the creation of new theories, models, or applications.
• Graduates of coursework programs gain a well-rounded understanding of the field and are prepared for various professional roles while researchers develop expertise in a niche area and contribute to the academic and professional community through publications and presentations.
• Coursework is typically organized into modules or units, each focusing on different topics within the discipline while research requires a high level of independence, critical thinking, and methodological rigor.
• Coursework serves as a stepping stone for further academic pursuits or career advancement while research prepares individuals for careers in academia, advanced professional roles, or further research.

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How to Write a Coursework

Coursework projects do not resemble essays, research papers, or dissertations. They are the combination of all three. Students spend less time writing coursework than on making a term paper, but this type of work requires more time and efforts than an ordinary essay - it is made of several essays. Thanks to our guide, each student can discover how to write coursework. If you are running out of time or lack experience to complete the specific coursework, we recommend using our coursework writing services to hire professional academic writers.

What is Coursework and Why Does It Matter?

Coursework definition: General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) coursework is a typical academic assignment, given in the course of study to evaluate the student’s knowledge, skills, and identify the final grade. Many students face this type of writing in the US colleges. One of the examples is a coursework UTD (The University of Texas at Dallas) - the requirements of this institution are strict, and many students fail to submit their papers and pass the corresponding courses.

Such type of assignment helps to have the ‘detective’ hat on: a student observes, examines, and evaluates the chosen topic using credible, up-to-date, and relevant sources. Working under controlled conditions is important. Participating in every school class will help to prepare good coursework by the end of the term. Take a look at the examples of what students of various profiles may face:

• English Composition - English coursework is an extended essay in most cases. A student has a right to pick the topic. The tutors provide their students with the list of recommended titles to choose from, sources to observe & analyze, and a format (e.g., a comparison between different relevant articles)
• Sciences - coursework for science is a complicated assignment. Such type of work appears in the form of a scientific paper to test what a writer investigates and reports independently.
• Geography - geography coursework is about collecting, reporting, and explaining information to reply to a certain geographical question or offer solutions to the problem. One idea is to explore the usage of a shopping mall or analyze the recent tornado. No matter whether you have to prepare a coursework Columbia or such paper for other educational institutions, keep in mind these differences!

Types of Coursework Explained

English Language coursework is the most common type of this assignment. At advanced GCE level, the student will be expected to write a couple of essays, totaling 3,000 words. Every assignment is 20 marks maximum.

An analytical essay : Evaluate, compare, & contrast 3 different sources of data interconnected by a common theme; written /spoken / multimedia content. Discuss different uses for targeting various audiences. Learn more on our blog.

Original essay with a supportive commentary : A student will have to come up with a single piece of media writing in the observed modes (written, spoken, or multimodal). Add a supporting piece with details about the aspects of English language. English Language & Literature coursework is a bit different. The basic requirements are the same, and the parts are:

An analytical study : Sharing an analysis of the chosen piece and its relation to the related content. It will show how well the writer understands the original piece. Tutors grade such works based on the:

• Use of the proper terminology and the coherence of the written words;
• Understanding & evaluation of the way a structure, form, and language create the written & spoken word;
• Opportunity to observe relationships between various pieces of writing.

Creative writing & commentary : Produce a creative piece that imitates the style of the assessed text. Share comments to backup your understanding. The goal is to show the knowledge, prove the competence, and use appropriate language skills in communicating with the target audience. You will also need a relevant coursework resume (review) in both cases. Keep on reading to learn how to write coursework of A level.

How to Write a Coursework: Guide for Students

Several factors may lead to the coursework being disqualified. It is a serious matter! The risk factors include:

• Plagiarism - it is the worst thing that could happen to any type of academic assignment. Lots of relevant information is available on the world wide web today, and the tutors are strict about the issue of plagiarism. Write everything in your own words! If you decide to insert the quotes from the sources, apply the suggested citation format and develop a list of references. Sign the declaration claiming it is your original project. If you're unsure about how to approach this, seeking professional help by choosing to write my coursework can be a wise decision.
• Word count - do not ignore the specific requirements concerning the length of the coursework. Specify if the footnotes, appendices, & references are included in the word count.
• Topics - go through the list of available themes. If there is an examination planned on the specific topic, try to pick another idea for the coursework.
• Tutor’s assistance - do not ignore the help of your instructor, ask them to provide guidance on what to write. Ask the questions to learn more details, but keep in mind they can go through the 1st draft once and just offer some general recommendations.

Choosing a Topic for Your Project

Dedicate enough time to this extra important question. Select the field of your interest if it is possible to relate it to the course. That is the golden rule of choosing a coursework topic - keep in mind the rest of the hints:

• Analyze the offered list of topics or develop yours
• Pick a topic from the area of your expertise related to the studied subject
• Select the topic you are interested in
• Choose the topic you’ve started to observe in the past
• Check how much relevant, up-to-date information is available on the Internet about each of the topics
• Pick what you can measure, change, & control (they call it a ‘fair test’)
• Use the ideas of previous researchers and students
• Do not choose a topic with a vast scope - you risk struggling to research it correctly

10 Good Coursework Topics

• Non-traditional Forms of Poetry with TC Tolbert
• Documentary Foundations: Usage of Oral Histories with Beth Alvarado
• Traditional Forms of Poetry
• Hermit Crabs: Type of Fiction
• Writing the Autobiographical Poem
• Creative Non-Fiction on the Examples of New Journalists
• Authors without Borders
• Writing the Sticky Stuff
• Socially Engaged Literary Arts
• Common Vocabulary

Research & Data Collection

Research is an integral part of coursework. Have you written research papers before? If yes, you will find it easier to select proper primary & secondary sources and gather the necessary information (evidence to support the main point - thesis). Depending on the required paper format, cite & reference the following sources:

• Books & e-Books

Base the project on a specific hypothesis. The research must start with minimum one hypothesis. The research stage for some topics may consist of visiting websites to collect information. Leave another time for collecting the data as it is the heart of the research. Three methods of data collection are known:

• Direct personal investigation : The one an author does individually (using literature and findings from previous studies);
• Interview/Questionnaire : The researcher should gather the data from the respondents asking questions regarding required data;
• Discussion with community leaders : Community leaders are approached to fetch information for the necessary data.

In case a student works on a scientific experiment, they should pay attention to planning the analysis with the help of rigorous scientific methods (keeping in mind the Health & Safety precautions you take). Review background information and theories. Take notes to express what you expect to occur to compare & contrast it to what happened in real life. In the write-up stage, one has to evaluate and present the findings.

Writing a Coursework Outline

The writing process follows the research. Do not start it without preparing an action plan and scheduling the work - a paper pin for English coursework is based on an extended essay . An outline will look different for the science coursework projects. The goal of creating a plan is to prevent a writer from being disorganized and waffling.

Let us explain coursework outline on the specific example - a project on the global pursuit of lower costs and the role of human rights.

Start with the brief introduction explaining why it might be a topic of interest for many people. Mention those vast corporations like Wal-Mart abuse human rights by choosing and using child labor in the factories.

Provide an overview of the problem . Define human rights and costs. Pick the definitions from the official dictionaries and cite them properly when inserting in the text. Try to explain the terms in your own words.

Develop a body of the coursework , start with the case for & against ethical business practices. Using evidence and examples, list the arguments supporting ethical business practices and another side of the coin. Include a business case for ethical practices after the opening body paragraph.

Move to discussing ethical responsibilities ; explain why business organizations should care about the ethical aspects of their activities. After three sections of the body, one can conclude the paper. It can be a good idea to share a fact or statistics stressing the importance of research problem in the essay conclusion. End up with the reference list that may look this way:

• Klein N (2000) No Logo (Flamingo, London)
• Marcousé I, Gillespie A, Martin B, Surridge M and Wall N (2003) Business Studies 2e (Hodder Arnold, Oxon)
• Royal Dutch Shell (2006) 4th Quarter Financial Report at (site example)

Additional Elements

Supporting materials and pictures are a must! The sciences & geography projects require tables, charts, graphs, and other types of images to illustrate the complicated topic. Not only should you add the pictures - it is essential to interpret and reference each of them. A separate part of the coursework where the student list and explains every visual element is Appendix , and it is an optional part. The presence of appendix increases the chances to earn an A+.

How to Write an Introduction for Coursework?

Most of the students underestimate the role of introduction & conclusion when it comes to writing an essay. An eye-catchy introduction is a key to success. The primary purposes of a coursework introduction are:

• To grab the reader’s attention
• To introduce the topic
• To explain the research importance
• To come up with a compelling thesis statement

The opening paragraph shows the depth of the writer’s acquaintance with the topic. Look at the expert tips below. They will help to learn how to write a coursework introduction to make the tutor want to read your entire paper.

What Is an Introduction?

The introduction of GCSE coursework is the opening paragraph that aims to interpret the central questions and purposes of the entire paper. It should have several elements to be effective. Those are:

• A hook sentence
• Background information
• Problem significance
• Solid thesis statement

Advice from our Experienced Writer

How to write an introduction to coursework? The quality of this part predetermines paper’s success. Look at some common mistakes writers do while working on the coursework introduction - try to prevent them!

Ignoring the prompt. Many students tend to neglect the tutor’s instructions. It is critical to read the prompt several times, highlight the main points, research question, rules, and grading rubric details.

Missing a plan. The prompt does not always say to develop a coursework outline. Without a plan for every separate section, it is impossible to write a flawless piece step-by-step. No matter whether you have to write a term paper, research paper, dissertation, or C3 coursework, get ready with the detailed plan. Once you understand how to write an introduction, it will be easier to develop the rest of the paper.

For those who need a helping hand in ensuring their work meets all the standards and deadlines, don't hesitate to buy coursework from trusted professionals.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Definition of coursework

Examples of coursework in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coursework.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1890, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near coursework

Cite this entry.

“Coursework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coursework. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.

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How to Write a Coursework: Examples and Tips

Coursework is not like other assignments at a college or university. This task requires much more time and effort, which is necessary for research, planning, and writing. In our article, you will learn how to write your academic coursework and find high-quality examples that will help you get inspired for your work. EssayShark knows how to create the best coursework and is ready to share the experience!

Meet Coursework

If you want to know what is academic coursework, then you are on the right site. Academic coursework refers to the various tasks that are given to students as part of their educational program. These tasks are designed to assess students’ knowledge of the subjects they are studying. Coursework may include:

• Essays and research papers . Written assignments require students to research a topic, conduct research, and present their findings in a structured format. In difficult moments when completing such tasks, you can always tell our professionals, “ Write my essay for me .”
• Laboratory reports. Science and engineering courses include conducting experiments and documenting results and conclusions. Work throughout the semester must support the coursework.
• Homework. Regular assignments, given to reinforce lessons learned in class, are often used during term paper writing. They become the foundation for completing such a voluminous task.
• Practical works. Practical experience gained outside the classroom, often related to the subject of study, such as internships or research projects. During the research, the results of practical work are an excellent reinforcement of expertise.

How to Write a Coursework in a Few Simple Steps

Our writers are happy to share their years of experience creating various academic assignments. We have put together a detailed guide on how to write a coursework that will inspire you to get started.

Choosing a Topic for Coursework

The entire process of your work on the project will depend on which topic you choose. Your research can take much less time and be more enjoyable if you find a topic that inspires you. Use the tips below to determine the best topic for your coursework:

• Make a list of topics suggested to you and analyze it.
• Give preference to the topic that best suits your specialization.
• Pay attention to the topics that interest you most.
• Explore the number of information resources from which you can obtain data for coursework.
• Be inspired by the work of students who received positive feedback.
• Avoid topics you do not understand to avoid difficulties during work.

Gathering Information for the Project

To write coursework, you must spend more than one day researching, which will make up most of the project. In difficult moments, you can always turn to coursework writing help , and our professionals will find a way to relieve you of stress. Information sources such as books, online libraries, podcasts, and magazines become indispensable assistants during research.

You should base the project on a specific hypothesis, for which you need to find a method for collecting data. Choose what suits you best and follow the information that will help you succeed in your task. What three methods of collecting information are available to students?

• Personal research. A summary of all possible relevant studies on the topic that other authors have conducted. This method uses various sources of information available on the Internet or in the library.
• Survey or interview. During the research, the student conducts an interview and asks questions to a respondent with the necessary competence in the field of study. For example, this could be a survey of a professor who wrote a doctoral thesis on a chosen topic.
• Group discussion. Gathering in groups, students discuss the information they found and share the sources they refer to in their coursework. Collective research reveals the topic much more extensively.

No matter your research methods, taking notes on each reliable source is best. This will help you retain the information you found and save time searching again. Write down the page numbers, websites, or even minutes of podcasts where you find the information you need.

How to Write a Coursework According to a Detailed Plan

Planning work on the coursework is the next stage after preliminary research. Of course, the structure of the plan depends on the subject of the project, and our coursework writing service has compiled a brief description of the basic plan.

• Start with an introduction to the topic. Write the essence of your chosen topic and mention famous authors who will become an authoritative example and may be of interest.
• Demonstrate the essence of the problem/task. Analyze the main objectives of your topic and provide the essential information you found in the necessary sources.
• Writing the main part of the project. Review the information in detail and analyze the critical issues in your work to provide constructive solutions.
• Providing methodology. Describe the methods you used during your analysis or research.
• The discussion of the results. In your conclusions, demonstrate what results you came to and bring them to the main topic of your coursework.
• Compiling a bibliography. Make a list of all the references you referenced while writing, considering the formatting described in your assignment.

Coursework Introduction

Once you start working and know precisely the coursework definition, after preliminary research and drawing up a plan, it’s time to draw up an introduction. Do not underestimate the introduction because the overall impression of the entire project depends on it. In the first paragraph, you need to interpret the main tasks assigned. Also, in the introduction, you need the following:

• Write attention-grabbing sentences.
• Briefly provide background information from the assignment.
• Focus on the significance of the problem you solved or analyzed.
• Write a clear statement of the thesis you have come up with.

Understanding how to write a coursework introduction will give you an advantage during the professor’s review. After all, how you present your thoughts at the beginning of the project will demonstrate how competent you are in the topic and set the level for the entire coursework.

How to Write a Coursework Report: Tips From Top Writers

Our writers have been helping students with coursework for many years and know how to create a project that will surprise every reader. Deciding whether to buy coursework online or write it yourself is an eternal dilemma. Every expert has their writing secrets, and we are happy to share some of them with you so that you can get a high grade.

• Keep track of time management. You don’t need to put off doing work until later to avoid procrastination. It takes a lot of time to maintain the quality of the text and have time to research all the issues. Therefore, evenly distribute your time at work in your schedule to submit the project for review on time.
• Choose trusted sources of information . It can be tough to analyze information because several sites may have different definitions of the same value. Use only verified information that will not harm your coursework. If you know what is coursework, you clearly understand the importance of the reliability of the research.
• Follow the citation rules. The originality of the content in your coursework affects the final result. Your thoughts may agree with previously published articles, but all you need to do is rewrite parts that are not original. Follow the citation rules when mentioning an expert’s opinion and citing a specific source.
• Avoid empty words. A course project is a lengthy task with much text, but this is not a reason to dilute the text with unnecessary context. Every sentence you write should make sense and reveal the essence of your project. You can always tell us, “ write my coursework ” and receive a high-quality project filled with information.
• Editing is everything. Include several editing steps in your work plan. After writing each chapter of your coursework, edit it. It is best to edit the text after a break to avoid missing essential mistakes. After you complete the coursework, review the project yourself and ask a friend to review it again.

Coursework Examples From Professional Writers

In any job, having a quality example to inspire you is a chance to improve your skills. We are confident that our coursework sample will help you find the right path to success. With the help of our guide, you will not only learn how to write coursework but also see how a professional writer creates similar assignments.

Being a student means constantly watching and studying other people’s success because it is part of the learning process. If you want to see how to cite or format your project correctly, then our marketing coursework sample will help you. With us, you can easily return your lost muse and understand that coursework is not as scary as it seems. You will always find the support you need on our website, whether editing, writing, or searching for a quality example!

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How To Write Coursework: Step By Step Guide Including Types, Structure, & Tips!

Are you wondering, 'How to write coursework?’ Writing coursework, the most significant part of any academic program, demands much time and energy. To finish high-quality coursework before a deadline, students must submit numerous work pages, perform experiments, hone their public speaking abilities, seek teacher assistance, analyze and discuss data, present material, and much more. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about coursework, from understanding its importance to mastering the writing process. Whether you're a student looking for tips or simply curious about coursework, this article by professional writers at our coursework writing service has got you covered. Let's dive in!

What is Coursework?

Wondering what is coursework ? Well, coursework is schoolwork that shows what the student knows and how well they understand what they have learned. It could be based on an experiment or a science project, and it could have as much information as needed.

The coursework can have a very different theme, thesis, work area, subject, and tasks. That's why students should know what they need to do, even if they've done and read a lot of work like this before. Most of the time, tools like the free plagiarism checker on the Internet are also used to check these papers for mistakes in language and plagiarism.

✅ Pro Tip: Take note! Each document has its structure and formatting. Before writing the main parts, students have to come up with a topic and thesis. They also have to plan out the main structure. Only then can they start writing the content for each area.

How to Write a Coursework Introduction?

In order to receive a good score on your coursework, you should adhere to its prescribed format. Choosing a solid topic is, of course, the starting point. It is not particularly complex, but it is significant enough to warrant investigation. Your chances of writing outstanding coursework improve if your topic is narrowly focused and appropriately selected. When does the coursework begin? Contrary to what most students expect, this is not an introduction-focused assignment. At the outset of your coursework, it is helpful to state the primary points you will be making throughout the paper, outline your goals for the coursework, and compose a thesis statement that will clarify the topic's importance.

Types of Coursework

First, you should know that there are different types of coursework. You need to know about each type of coursework to understand how to write coursework. You can quickly learn the basics and use them in your work by reading the full explanation below. Don't forget how different things are. Because of this, you should try to understand this part of the problem as best as you can.

Analytical essay

This choice is very popular, and it uses three sources that are linked together. The same idea runs through them all. You can really pay attention to the written, spoken, and video sources that are relevant to your subject. You should also write for a specific group if you want to be more detailed and correct.

Essay with supportive comments

You need to find one piece of the media part here. You can read or watch it from the source. Following that, you will include your own specifics and details that are closely linked to the English language.

A creative paper with some comments

To achieve this, you need to write a paper that shows how well you can communicate with a certain group of people. The style of your paper needs to be the same as the one you were assigned.

Analytical study

This is one of the most accessible choices here, but it looks great. Someone will have to choose, or they will be given work. His job is to look into it in great depth. The student should show that they fully understand the piece. Moreover, teachers will examine the words, phrases, and specifics used in writing.

Coursework Outline

Each kind of paper has its own structure. Even coursework isn't an exception. As usual, coursework has a

Introduction

• Bibliography page

Some professors have extra rules that you must follow in order to do well on the work.

All coursework parts should be written correctly and in line with the basic rules. Also, the thesis, opening, body, and conclusion should all have text that flows well with each other. Getting an A+ grade and making a good mark on your teacher makes sense.

How to Write a Coursework? Step-by-Step Guide

You will require a lot of time to complete these tasks because they are hard, and you need to know how to write each part perfectly. We're going to tell you about this below. Always remember that you have to perform good research, which requires more time than writing any other paper.

Understand the task requirements

It is crucial to fully understand the assignment summary before starting to write coursework. Take note of the word count, formatting requirements, and specific tasks that need to be done as you carefully review the document. If you are confused about anything in the research, you should not be shy about asking your professor or fellow students for clarification. Moreover, you will be well-prepared for success if you know what is required from the start.

Choose a topic

It is very important to be able to select a good topic for your coursework. Everything that is done will be related to the theme that was picked. If you let them pick, the subject should be something they want to write about. As a writer, you often have the opportunity to choose or create your topic, even though your teachers may provide you with precise instructions. For example, you may choose to focus on a topic from a course that you liked most or that you knew very well. But before you choose a topic, you must make sure that you can properly control, measure, and modify it. Moreover, it is best not to pick topics that are unclear or too broad. This could make it complex to come up with a good thesis because they make it hard to meet the word limit and don't fit the topic.  Additionally, students can ask for assistance and tips in picking the right subject to write about if they don't know what to write about. For instance, you can look at projects that other students have already turned in to get an idea of how they handled certain subjects.

Perform Research

Coursework that is both informative and interesting can be built upon the research. Use a variety of reliable resources, such as peer-reviewed publications, books, and, if relevant, primary sources. Write down all of the important points, arguments, and supporting evidence in an orderly fashion. Give academic works and peer-reviewed publications more weight when determining a source's credibility and usefulness.

Come up with an outline

You should only write your note after you have gathered all the information that is important to the subject. Before starting to scribble, a university student must jot down the paper's structure. Last but not least, the project is set up like a piece, and students have to copy what they do. An essay usually has an introduction, a body with important ideas, and a decision at the end. Structure planning is especially important for bigger projects because sending a lot of information that needs to be simplified can lead to a message that is disorganized and hard to understand. This changes how the paper is done and how the data is shown in a big way.   The message is regarded as the polite portion since these factors—such as grammar, text selection, punctuation, and text count limitations—are examined throughout the evaluation. In other words, you need to get better at writing if you want to do good work in the standard essay style. For tough science plans, you need to be more analytical and interpretive so that you can clearly see what the facts in your message mean. Apart from that, you want a calm, supporting space that is free of any unnecessary distractions so that you can focus better, which is important for thought and message. You can cut down on outside distractions by turning off the TV and logging out of all your social media accounts.

Write the Draft

These assignments are difficult, so you will need a lot of time to complete them. You have to manage your time wisely. You also need to know how to properly write each part. This is what we'll talk about next. Remember that you need to do good research, which takes more time than writing any other kind of paper.

How to write a coursework introduction? Start with a hook. People should pay attention to this one line. You can use anything—a joke, a fact, a number, or something else. Then you need to give a short outline of what you will talk about in the parts that follow. You can also look at examples of past work and find out more about this step. Is it really that important? Some students would rather do it at the end of the assignment.

There will be major parts to all of your coursework assignments where you need to present all of your facts and information. This section is the most important. Remember that each part needs to be well-written, free of mistakes, and follow the rules. Moreover, you need to explain one paragraph in detail. That last one means you will focus on making one point at a time. Move on to the next line when you're done. In related pieces, this is what is expected to be there. A common mistake is putting the facts you want to show in the wrong order.

How to write a conclusion for coursework? You will require powerful reasoning that is done right in this situation. Moreover, you should discuss about the aspects and what you found at the end of the piece. Do not insert anything new to this, and don't try to stay positive or negative about the topic. Furthermore, don't be vague, and try to end on a strong note that makes people think.

Change and edit

Put your coursework's first draft away for a while before modifying it. Take a break now to refocus on your work as well as make your mind clear. When you get back, carefully check over your coursework again, giving special attention to factors like spelling, language, punctuation, and how well it all makes sense.  Explore other ways to make your arguments stronger, build your writing flow better, and get rid of words that are repeated too much. You may wish to get feedback from peers, professors, or writing services to search for ways to improve your coursework and make it even better.

☑️Reading suggestion: What are Term Papers

Helpful Coursework Writing Tips

It is possible to complete a coursework assignment quickly and still get good grades. You can do minimum work and get more done if you apply these tips from the beginning.  They are used by experienced students in all of their projects as well as research:

• It is crucial to plan your coursework. If you require spending time on other classes and other activities, start planning your activities by writing the introduction to the main show. Moreover, make sure you have a few days to fix and revise your work, even if you think it's good enough to go.
• Arrange your workspace so that you can focus on studying. There are numerous places to study, like at home, the library, or even the park. Just ensure you choose a place where no one will bother you and where you will enjoy your work. Also, take a break to make your writing clearer and go over the lines you've made.
• Talk about your work with other students who don’t know how to write coursework. Talking about your own experiences can help you do better research and write pieces that are easier to understand and more interesting. You can also look at other students' work to learn how to present information and skills correctly.
• It's safe to view your files from different devices if you use services like Google Drive, cloud databases, and so on. Some services can store your texts, tables, images, and diagrams, and there is also a way to read texts and make comments.
• Students show what they've learned in class by writing coursework. Many hours of study and attention are needed for this process. It is important to make sure that your coursework is easy to read and understand, and free of grammatical mistakes and plagiarism.
• The students need to know the writing standards. Before writing the main parts, you should also think about how the work is structured and formatted. To find out more, students can read finished papers and look over coursework that has already been written by experts.

There are ways to make this process easier, even though it can be hard and time-consuming. Planning and scheduling, having a useful workspace, and getting can all help you get what you need faster and with less work.

Do’s and Don’ts Based on Our Nerdwriters Personal Experiences

You probably already know that our writers have seen a lot of examples of coursework. Their years of experience make it clear what they can do. When we asked them, they told us the three most common mistakes students made with their coursework and gave us three pieces of advice.

Not following instructions

Some students keep ignoring their teachers' instructions, even though it seems like such a simple thing to do. Many of them only looked into three or four of the five things their professors asked them to, and some wrote much less or much more than 3000 words. Finally, some students don't understand the question they were given, research the wrong subject, or don't do the type of study they were told to do.

Not logical

Some people are good at writing. Students often need to be more balanced because they jump around from idea to idea, missing links, or not going into enough detail on their point.

Technical problems

Typos, bad grammar or style, and casual language often sneak into students' writing without them even realizing it.

• Read your question again and again. Being safe is better than being sorry, even if you're sure you got everything right. Read the instructions again slowly, focusing on each part.
• If you need help, ask for it. It doesn't matter what's wrong: if you can't finish your coursework and want the best, most original papers, talk to professionals. They are going to help you.
• Don't worry about it looking like you're losing time. Some students don't see the point in making outlines or drafts. Though they may take some time, you'll save time because you'll spend less time writing. Build a strong foundation for your coursework.

Wrapping Up

If you have read the blog till this paragraph, you must know what coursework is and how to write coursework. When writing coursework, students demonstrate their course knowledge. This method needs careful study. Coursework should be proofread for grammar, plagiarism, and readability. Students must know what to make and the requirements. Before composing the main sections, evaluate the work's structure and layout. Students can read already-composed articles and examine expert researchers' work to learn more. Sometimes this procedure is hard, but there are ways to make it easier. If you need assistance with your coursework and are looking for a convenient service that can swiftly provide you with the best results, go no further than Nerdpapers . Effective coursework writing is difficult and time-consuming, but our specialists can guarantee that you will get a high-quality assignment if you ask them for assistance. 

Table of Contents

Persuasive essay topics – how to choose one for you, how to write a persuasive essay- expert tips.

Guidelines and steps for writing a coursework | Tips for good writing

What is a coursework and why to write a coursework.

A coursework is a written or practical work done by student in form of thesis, dissertation, project or paper as a part of course. This is often an essential requirement for being awarded a degree and counts towards successful completion of the course. A coursework is assessed by class instructors or by other teachers in the school. Many students cannot clearly define what is a coursework. In a nutshell, at the “A” and GSCE level , a coursework is written in the form of projects or essays. There are few guidelines and good practices which should be followed while writing a coursework. Perfect examples of a coursework include extended essay, field studies, practical activities, design studies and internal assessment test set. Conversely, each coursework have differing objectives from one course unit to another. In addition, a coursework may incorporate work for which the experiments, topics, themes or parameters of a project or essay have been designed by the teacher, or specified in the syllabus, or selected by the students themselves. Therefore, a coursework is presented in a form of a research assignment meant to reflect the understanding of topics and concepts by the student. Students can handle their coursework either at school under the controlled conditions in class sessions, and/or as homework.

Some rules & guidelines for writing a coursework

Deciding good topic for a coursework.

The capability to choose a good topic to write on is a vital skill in coursework writing. All the work and efforts will revolve around the chosen topic. If given the liberty to choose, then the topic should be something you would love to write about.

The steps on how to finish a coursework is easy as it necessitates one to edit their papers prior to the submission. Prior to the submission, students would have time to proffered and confirm features such as word count, word choice, grammar errors, spellings as well as the punctuation mistakes. It is advisable to carry out a manual proofreading as the modern spell checking and grammar checking software can overlook some common mistakes. Importantly, a student is required to include in-text citation according to the writing style used. A well-written coursework is thought-provoking, enjoyable for the reader and enhances the reader’s knowledge.

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• How to Make Your Coursework as Good as It Can Possibly Be

Many GCSE and A-level subjects are assessed in part by coursework in addition to exams, meaning that the mark you receive for coursework contributes to your overall grade. Many students prefer coursework, because it’s a chance to showcase your academic abilities away from the high-pressured environment of the exam room, making it ideal for those who don’t perform to the best of their abilities in exams. However, the time you have available for coursework, in contrast with the time constraints of the exam room, can lull some students into a false sense of security. Coursework is arguably just as challenging as exams, just in different ways – and, given the fact that you have more time, much higher standards are expected of you in coursework than in exams. Careful planning and research are needed for successful coursework, as well as strong data-gathering and essay-writing skills. In this article, we look at how to produce excellent coursework, from planning to proofreading. This information might also be useful to you if you’re planning on attending an Oxford Summer School this summer.

What is coursework?

GCSE and A-level coursework typically takes the form of an extended essay or project. Its objectives vary from one subject to another, but there’s usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent research into a topic of their own choice. Thus coursework often takes the form of some sort of investigation; it may, therefore, help to have your ‘detective’ hat on as you explore, investigate and analyse your topic. You can usually work on your coursework at home, though it’s sometimes completed under controlled conditions through sessions at school. To give you a better idea of how coursework varies from one subject to another, here are some examples:

• English – English coursework usually takes the form of an extended essay with a title of your choice. You’re usually given a choice of themes and/or texts to explore, and you could choose a format such as a comparison between a set text and another one.
• Geography – Geography coursework usually focuses on the gathering, reporting and interpretation of data designed to answer a particular geographical question. You could investigate usage of a shopping centre, for example, or look at erosion on a particular beach.
• Sciences – coursework for science subjects often takes the form of a scientific project or experiment that you conduct and report on yourself.

Before you start work on your coursework, it’s essential that you have a thorough understanding of the rules. Failing to conform to the rules – inadvertently or not – may result in your coursework (or possibly even your entire qualification) being disqualified, so it’s a serious matter.

• No plagiarism – this is particularly dangerous given the ready availability of relevant information on the internet these days. Make sure everything is in your own words; you’ll need to sign a declaration stating that it’s your own original work.
• There’s only so much help your teacher can give you . They can provide guidance on what you need to include, and on what the examiners will be looking for. You can ask them questions, but they’ll usually only be able to check through your first draft once and offer broad hints on updating it.
• Check the word count , and stick to it. Find out whether footnotes, appendices and bibliographies are included in the word count.
• Check what topics you’re allowed to do your coursework on; if there’s an exam on this topic, you’ll almost certainly have to choose a different one for your coursework.

Choose your topic wisely

Ideally, choose something you’re genuinely interested in, as your enthusiasm will come across and you’ll find it more enjoyable to write. If there’s something you’ve been working on for the course so far that you’ve particularly enjoyed, you may be able to focus more on this as part of your coursework. For science coursework, you’ll need to choose something to investigate that you can measure, change and control; it should be what’s called a ‘fair test’, meaning that you have to acknowledge all the controls you use in the experiment and why. Try not to pick a topic for which the scope is too vast, as you’ll struggle to research it properly and you’re unlikely to do it justice, and it’ll be hard to keep within the word limit. Ask your teachers for some guidance on choosing your topic if you’re not sure what to write about; they might even tell you a bit about what previous students have done to give you some inspiration.

Plan how long it’s going to take

Never leave your coursework until the last minute, even if this is your normal approach to essays and it usually works for you. Make sure you understand when the deadlines are, including time for submitting a first draft for comments from your teacher. Then schedule blocks of time for working on it, allowing plenty of time before the deadline to cater for any unexpected delays. Allow ample time for making corrections based on teacher feedback on your first draft, and keep some time aside before the deadline for final editing and proofreading. Because actual deadlines are few and far between, you’ll need to take responsibility for the writing process and impose some deadlines on yourself to ensure it’s finished in time. Write down your deadlines on a calendar, with the coursework broken into stages and dates assigned to each, by which time each task should be complete. You can base your stages on the next few points in this article – research and data gathering, a structure plan for the piece of work, writing up, and so on.

Conducting your research and gathering data

As coursework is primarily a research exercise, the research phase is crucial, so don’t be tempted to skimp on it and go straight to writing up. Use as many different resources as you can to gather data: books, journals, newspapers, television, radio, the internet and anything else you think might be relevant. For science and Geography coursework, you’ll need to base your work on a hypothesis, so the research stage should start by coming up with at least one hypothesis, otherwise your research will lack direction. The research phase for some subjects may involve site visits for gathering data, so allow plenty of time for this, particularly if you need your parents to drive you somewhere to do so. If it’s a scientific experiment you’re conducting for your coursework, you’ll need to pay careful attention to planning the experiment using rigorous scientific methods (also noting what Health and Safety precautions you are taking), as well as reading up on the background and theory so that you have an idea of what to expect from the outcome of your experiment. In the research stage, make notes about what you expect to happen, so that you can later compare your expectations with what actually did happen. The experiment itself also forms part of the research and data-gathering stage for your science coursework; in the write-up stage, which we come onto shortly, you analyse and write up the results.

Plan your structure

Once you’ve completed your research, the process of writing up begins. Before you get down to the actual writing, however, it’s advisable to write a plan for how you’re going to structure it – essentially an essay plan for English coursework and other subjects for which the coursework is based on an extended essay. It’ll look slightly different from an essay plan for science subjects and others that revolve around project work, but the principle is the same: plan out what order you’re going to present your information in. For big projects, this is particularly important, because with a lot of information to convey, you risk being disorganised and waffling.

Writing up your project

For any coursework, but particularly coursework based around an extended essay, you’ll need to perfect your essay-writing abilities. For science coursework, writing up your project also involves data analysis, as you interpret the results of your experiment and work your notes into formal scientific language.

When you’re writing up, it’s important to find a place where you can work quietly, without distractions that could cause you to make careless errors. You wouldn’t want noise or distractions when you were in an exam room, so treat your coursework with the same reverence.

Supporting materials and images

For some subjects, namely the sciences and Geography, it would be appropriate to include images, graphs, charts, tables and so on in your coursework. For example, for Geography coursework, your extra material could include annotated images and maps of the site you’re talking about, plus tables, graphs and charts. An appendix could then detail your raw data; if, for example, your coursework focused on the results of a survey, you could put the raw survey responses in an appendix and provide summaries and analysis in the main body of the coursework.

Footnotes and bibliography

As we said earlier, it’s important that you always use your own words in your coursework to avoid the possibility of falling foul of plagiarism rules. However, it’s acceptable to quote from another source, as you would in any piece of academic writing, but you must make sure that you state where it is from and use quotation marks to show that it’s a quote from somewhere else. The best way of citing another work is to use a footnote; word processors will allow you to insert one, and it just puts a little number at the end of the sentence and another in the footer of the document, into which you put the name of the author and work, and the page within that work that the quote can be found. At the end of your piece of work, include a bibliography that includes a list of every external source you’ve used in the creation of your coursework. Stick to a set formula when including books. A common format is: Author Surname, Initial. (Date) – Title of Book , page number For example: Lewis, C.S. (1960) – Studies in Words , p. 45 When you get to university, you’ll be expected to include footnotes and bibliographies in all your essays, so it’s a good habit to get into and coursework gives you good practice at it.

The final pre-submission check

Having completed a first draft, received feedback from your teacher, and honed your work into a finished piece of coursework, have a final check through it before you send off your coursework for submission.

• Sense check : have a read through your completed piece of work and check that it all makes sense. Make sure you haven’t contradicted yourself anywhere, or repeated yourself, or laboured the point. If there are any facts that you may have meant to look up to double check their accuracy, do so now.
• Word count : ensure that the completed work falls within the word count, and double check whether the bibliography should be included in the word count. If you’ve exceeded it, you’ll need to work through the piece and tighten up your writing, omitting unnecessary information, reordering sentences so that they use fewer words, and so on.
• Proofread : check your spelling and grammar, and ensure that there are no typos. Don’t just use the spellcheck – go through it with a fine toothcomb, manually, and if you can, ask someone to read through it for you to see if they spot anything you haven’t.
• Formatting : check that you’ve included page numbers, and that the font and line spacing is consistent throughout the work. Ensure that the font is plain and easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Bibliography : check that you’ve included everything, that the format is the same for all sources mentioned, and that the right information is included for each.

Once this stage is complete, you’re ready to submit your coursework along with your declaration that it’s entirely your own work. Get ready for a feeling of immense satisfaction when you finally send off your hard work!

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[ kawrs -wurk , kohrs - ]

• the work required of a student in a particular course of study; classroom work .
• curricular studies or academic work .

/ ˈkɔːsˌwɜːk /

• written or oral work completed by a student within a given period, which is assessed as an integral part of an educational course

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Word history and origins.

Origin of coursework 1

Example Sentences

Derek Dodson is practicing with the Georgetown University soccer team for a rescheduled season while preparing for the resumption of senior coursework next week.

In San Diego, and throughout the state, an unconscionable number of students are failing or haven’t completed their coursework.

She took a full load of classes in the spring, summer and fall, and in November completed all the coursework for an undergraduate degree in psychology.

Pevzner, who took over the program in 2017, still heads into the field—though day to day he focuses more on developing coursework and swapping insights with similar programs around the world.

Although most schools have increased their offerings of online coursework, the number and sizes of in-person classes vary widely, as does the density of students in on-campus housing.

Digital art coursework at the Rhode Island School of Design simultaneous with an English Ph.D. at Yale?

Her pre-college education had been weak, and Leo was utterly unprepared for the academic part of the coursework.

An obsession with college preparation permeated all of our coursework.

The ad-hocs spent their time badmouthing the profs and tearing apart their coursework.

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Definition of coursework noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• Coursework accounts for 40 per cent of the final marks.

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Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

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Meaning of coursework in English

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• academic year
• access course
• Advanced Placement
• asynchronous
• grade retention
• immersion course
• on a course
• open admissions
• open classroom
• work placement

Examples of coursework

Translations of coursework.

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Word of the Day

a type of large tree that grows in northern areas of the world, or the wood of this tree

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

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Which GCSEs Have Coursework?

In GCSE by Think Student Editor September 23, 2022 Leave a Comment

If you’re currently trying to decide which GCSEs you should take, it’s important to know whether the option you’re considering will involve coursework. Coursework is a useful way of showing your ability outside of taking written exams. Coursework can allow you to: take more responsibility for what you study, study a topic in more depth, and have more control over the pace at which you study.

To understand which subjects involve coursework and learn the percentage of coursework and exams in these subjects, keep reading this article.

Table of Contents

Do GCSEs still have coursework?

After new education plans were introduced in 2015, most GCSEs no longer include any coursework that count towards students’ final grades. Before this, there would be coursework tasks even in subjects such as maths and English.

In some subjects coursework was done through long written tasks, whereas in maths this was done through a handling data project and an applying mathematics task. In English Language, 40% of the end grade used to be from coursework. This was through assessment of speaking, listening and written assignments.

Despite the recent changes to the GCSE system, all creative and practical subjects do still have some level of coursework. This is because in certain subjects, like Art for example, coursework is necessary for students to demonstrate their talent at particular skills. The subjects that have coursework are Food Preparation & Nutrition, Drama, Art, Music, DT (Design Technology), and PE (Physical education).

What percentage of creative or practical GCSEs is coursework?

No GCSE is currently 100% coursework. There will always be some weighting placed on final exams. All of these final exams are written, apart from Art which is instead a creative project done under time pressure.

Also, it’s important to note that for the same subject, different exam boards may require different amounts of coursework. Make sure to find out which exam board your school uses for the particular subject you’re considering. If your school offers IGCSEs, have a read of this Think Student article to understand the difference between them and normal GCSEs.

Have a look at the table below which has information outlining what percentage of the GCSEs are coursework and exams. This data is from AQA’s website .

In each of these subjects, the type of task to be completed for coursework is completely different. Most exam boards refer to coursework as a non-exam assessment (NEA).  

What does GCSE coursework involve?

In the Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE, the non-exam assessment mainly consists of a cooking practical. Students will have to prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes. The students will then have to write a report about their work and include photographic evidence. To find out more about the Food Preparation and Nutrition course, visit the AQA page .

For the coursework in Drama, there are two different components. One involves performing a group devised mini play and keeping a log of the creation process. The other involves performing two extracts from a play. To find out more about GCSE Drama, visit the AQA page .

In GCSE Art, the coursework component consists of selecting and presenting a portfolio representative of their course of study. The portfolio must include one main project as well as a selection of other work from activities such as experiments, skills-based workshops, or responses to gallery visits. To find out more about GCSE Art, visit the AQA page .

In GCSE Music, students must do both an ensemble performance and a solo performance using the instrument of their choice (which can be voice). They must also create two different music compositions. To find out more about GCSE Music, visit the AQA page .

For coursework in GCSE DT, students must design and produce a product. This will involve investigating design possibilities, planning, creating their idea, and evaluating the end result. At school, students will have to use special equipment such as machines and saws. To find out more about GCSE DT, visit the AQA page .

For coursework in GCSE PE, students will be assessed through their performance in three different sports or physical activities of their choice. One has to be a team activity, one an individual activity, and the third either a team or individual activity. Students will also be assessed on their analysis and evaluation of their improvements in performance.  To find out more about GCSE PE, visit the AQA page .

Does GCSE Science have coursework?

GCSE Science doesn’t involve any graded coursework. However, there is a list of required practicals that students are supposed to complete. These science practicals will involve following instructions set out by the teacher to investigate materials or scientific principles.  Students will often have to write up the method and conclusion. It’s important that students try their best to understand these practicals as there will be questions about them that are worth several marks in the exams.

Does GCSE English have coursework?

GCSE English technically doesn’t have any coursework that has a weighting on the final grade. However, in English Language there’s a compulsory spoken language assessment that isn’t done at the same time as normal GCSE exams. It’s reported as a separate grade (either Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified) and doesn’t contribute to the result of the GCSE English Language qualification. To learn more about the spoken language assessment, have a look at this AQA page .

For English Literature, despite there not being any coursework tasks, there are of course novels and poems that students need to become familiar with in order to pass the GCSE. This will have to be done throughout Year 10 and Year 11. Students might be set the homework of reading a couple of chapters for example.

What are some tips for completing GCSE coursework?

If you’re deciding to do one or multiple GCSE subjects that involve coursework, it’s crucial that you can be organised enough to complete them to the best possible standard. As seen from the table shown previously, coursework makes up a significant proportion of the final grade. To have the best chance at getting a high grade, you’ll need to put an adequate amount of time into the task and not treat it as trivial.

In GCSE Art in particular, there is a lot of work that will need to be completed throughout the two-year course. A lot of homework will end up being graded for coursework as they will go in your portfolio. GCSE Art is often said to be one of the most stressful GCSEs because of this constant pressure of getting work done on time out of school.

If you love art and want to continue studying it, it’s important to manage your time well and not post-pone completing tasks until the last minute. As soon as you start getting behind with work that needs completing, that’s when you’ll really start to struggle and make things harder for yourself. If you want to learn how to get a good grade in GCSE Art in general, check out this Think Student article .

Make sure that you always note down what you’ve got to get done and by what date. This could be in a physical planner, on an app on your phone, or on a digital calendar. Perhaps set a specific time each weekend to complete any remaining work that you didn’t manage to get done during the week. If you remain on schedule, you’ll significantly reduce any stress plus you’ll have a higher chance of producing your best quality work.

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What is a coursework program?

Coursework is defined under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as a method of teaching and learning that leads to the acquisition of skills and knowledge that does not include a major research component. Bachelor's programs and postgraduate coursework programs are all coursework programs.

Search the Future Students website for programs available at UQ.

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Coursework vs Assignment - What's the difference?

As nouns the difference between coursework and assignment, alternative forms.

Democrats are talking about replacing Joe Biden. That wouldn't be so easy.

President Joe Biden's performance in the first debate Thursday has sparked a new round of criticism from Democrats , as well as public and private musing about whether he should remain at the top of the ticket.

In the modern era, a national party has never tried to adversarially replace its nominee, in part, because knows it would most likely fail. The issue came before both parties in 2016, but neither took action.

Party rules make it almost impossible to replace nominees without their consent, let alone smoothly replace them with someone else. And doing so would amount to party insiders’ overturning the results of primaries when Democratic voters overwhelmingly to nominate Biden. He won almost 99% of all delegates.

And at the moment, there’s no known, serious effort to push him off the top of the ticket.

Still, the Democratic National Committee's charter does make some provisions in case the party’s nominee is incapacitated or opts to step aside, and an anti-Biden coup at the convention is theoretically possible, if highly unlikely. So how would it work?

What happens if Biden drops out before the convention?

The only plausible scenario for Democrats to get a new nominee would be for Biden to decide to withdraw, which he has sworn off repeatedly during other bumpy stretches of his campaign.  

He could do so while serving out the rest of his term in the White House, as Lyndon Johnson did in 1968. 

If Biden were to drop out before he is scheduled to be formally nominated in August, it would create a free-for-all among Democrats, because there’s no mechanism for him or anyone else to anoint a chosen successor.

It takes a majority of the roughly 4,000 pledged delegates to win the party’s nomination. Biden’s won 3,900 of them. Under recent reforms, the party’s more than 700 superdelegates — Democratic lawmakers and dignitaries — are allowed to vote only if no one wins a majority of pledged delegates on the first ballot, so their votes could be crucial in a contested convention. 

Because Biden's opponents all won effectively no delegates throughout the Democratic nominating process, there'd be a virtual clean slate heading into the convention, and the decision would most likely come down to the convention delegates who were initially pledged to Biden.

Biden would have some influence over his pledged delegates, but ultimately, they can vote as they please, so candidates would most likely campaign aggressively to win over each individual delegate.

However, there's a potentially important wrinkle: Democrats plan to formally nominate Biden virtually ahead of the late-August convention to sidestep any potential concerns about ballo t access in Ohio, where a technical quirk has complicated things

Democrats decided to plan a virtual nomination for Biden after Ohio Republicans balked at passing pro forma legislation that would allow Biden to be on the ballot, even though the convention falls after a state deadline. But while Republicans passed a law to shift the deadline, Democrats decided to move forward with a virtual nomination nonetheless.

Could Democrats replace Biden against his will?

There’s no evidence the party would entertain a change without Biden’s consent. But even if it did, there’s no mechanism for it to replace a candidate before the convention, and certainly no way for it to anoint a chosen successor.

If large swaths of the Democratic Party lost faith in Biden, delegates to the national convention could theoretically defect en masse. Of course, they were chosen to be delegates because of their loyalty to Biden and have pledged to support him at the convention.

But, unlike many Republican delegates, Democratic delegates aren’t technically bound to their candidate. DNC rules allow delegates to “in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them,” providing some wiggle room.

The party’s charter does include provisions to replace the nominee in the event of a vacancy. The measure is intended to be used in case of death, resignation or incapacitation, not to replace someone who has no desire to step down.

That was the measure that Donna Brazile, then the interim DNC chair, considered invoking after Hillary Clinton collapsed two months before the 2016 election, she wrote in her memoir .

In her memoir, released a year later, Brazile wrote that she was worried “not just about Hillary’s health but about her anemic campaign ... so lacking in the spirit of fight.” 

“Perhaps changing the candidate was a chance to win this thing, to change the playing field in a way that would send Donald Trump scrambling and unable to catch up,” she wrote, adding that aides to other would-be candidates contacted her, including then-Vice President Biden’s chief of staff.

But after less than 24 hours of consideration, Brazile realized the idea was untenable without Clinton’s cooperation and likely to only divide her party further. “I could not make good on my threat to replace her," she wrote.

Current DNC Chair Jaime Harrison is a longtime Biden ally who serves, essentially, at the pleasure of the president. And the national party has certainly given no indication it’s anything but fully behind his re-election.  

What happens if Biden withdraws after the convention?

To fill a vacancy on the national ticket, the chair can call a “special meeting” of the full DNC, which includes about 500 members. On paper, at least, all it takes is a majority vote of those present to pick new presidential and vice presidential nominees. But that process would most likely be anything but smooth and be filled with behind-the-scenes jockeying and public pressure campaigns. 

If a vacancy were to occur close to the November election, however, it could raise constitutional, legal and practical concerns. Among other issues, ballots have to be printed well in advance of the election, and it might not be possible to change them in time.

Would Kamala Harris replace Biden?

If Biden were to relinquish the presidency, Vice President Kamala Harris would automatically become president — but not the Democratic Party’s nominee. Nor would she necessarily be the nominee if Biden withdrew from his re-election bid while he remained in the White House.

She might be politically favored, but party rules give the vice president no major mechanical benefit over other candidates. 

Biden’s delegates wouldn’t automatically transfer to Harris, and the convention holds separate votes on nominees for president and vice president. So she would still need to win a majority of delegates at the convention. 

If the top of the ticket were vacated after the convention, she would still need to win a majority of votes at the special meeting of the DNC.

That is all, at least, under current party rules. But a vacancy at the top of the ticket is the kind of dramatic moment that might lead party leaders to revisit them in the name of easing the transition. Harris has some close allies in key places at the DNC, including a co-chair of the party’s Rules and Bylaws Committee. But nothing would be likely to happen without a fight.

Ben Kamisar is a national political reporter for NBC News.

Alex Seitz-Wald is a senior politics reporter for NBC News.

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The final shape legendary weapons.

The Final Shape expansion for Destiny 2 adds in a ton of new Legendary Weapons that can be earned from ritual activities, events, The Pale Heart, and of course the new raid: Salvation's Edge. Each one has the chance to come with a variety of traits, perks, and bonuses that could be your next go-to weapon throughout the expansion and the upcoming Episodes.

Below, you can find a full list of the new Legendary weapons that have been introduced with The Final Shape.

The Pale Heart Legendary Weapons

Obtained from The Pale Heart, these Legendary Weapons can be obtained from either activities on the destination or from your Ghost vendor as well:

Salvation's Edge Legendary Weapons

In addition to The Pale Heart weapons, the new Salvation's Edge raid has a few new Legendary weapons to earn from the various encounters.

In addition to these weapons, the final group can be found throughout the various activities, playlists, and events in The Final Shape.

The following are the World Pool weapons available:

Up Next: The Final Shape

Top guide sections.

• The Final Shape
• The Witch Queen
• 30th Anniversary

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