Top Ten Assignment Writing Tips for Australian Students

Written by Somya » Updated on: May 27th, 2025

University life in Australia can be quite interesting and at the same time not an easy one. The wide variety of subjects and demanding academic standards trigger students to face the need to complete multiple assignments while keeping a balance in their life. Whether you are studying at the University of Melbourne, UNSW or any TAFE institution, being good at writing assignments is a must for your academic success.

To assist you in excelling, this article is a set of the top ten assignment writing tips which are made especially for Australian students.

1. Understand the Assignment Brief Thoroughly

Start writing your assignment only after you have thoroughly read and understood the instructions. At first, determine:

The genre of the assignment (essay, report, case study, literature review)
The number of words required
Referencing style (APA, Harvard, MLA, etc.)
Submission dates

Note: If you are not sure about the details, feel free to ask your tutor or lecturer for clarification.

2. Research Using Credible Australian Sources

Australian universities place high importance on well-researched assignments. Instead of relying solely on Google or Wikipedia, use:

University library databases
Google Scholar
Government websites (e.g., health.gov.au, abs.gov.au)
Peer-reviewed Australian journals

Localised knowledge will often strengthen your argument, especially in subjects like education, health care, social sciences, or environmental studies.

3. Create a Clear Structure

Using the proper structure is like using the correct words to explain your thoughts in a more understandable way. A general assignment structure includes:

Introduction: Introduce your topic and state the goal.
Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should communicate one message, supported by some proof.
Conclusion: Give the summary of your results and repeat your point.
Reference List: Name all the sources you have cited in your paper and follow the printing rules.

It is also important to use informative headings in case there is any in a report (reports) so that your readers can follow your writing.

4. Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Rush

Creating a timeline that is realistic and has mini-deadlines is the best way to stay clear of the hectic last-minute rush, the quality of the work will suffer if it will be caused by the procrastination of the writer.

Topic selection
Research
Drafting
Editing and proofreading

Productivity or other time management apps are vital in keeping people focused and on schedule. One of the best ways to illustrate this is by recall the fact that hurried over assignments have a great chance of having mistakes and could have very weak points of argument.

5. Write in an Academic Tone

Australia’s academic institutions prescribe the use of a formal and neutral dialect in assignments. Furthermore, the use of slang and contractions (e.g. won't, can't) and overly familiar language is discouraged.

Example:

Informal: “I think climate change is a serious problem.”
Formal: “Climate change gives birth to significant environmental and social challenges.”

Ensure that the articles are comprehensible and that the sentences should not be needlessly complex except and only when complexity serves the purpose. Your writing should not be too complicated yet simple to read.

6. Cite All Your Sources Properly

Plagiarism is taken very seriously in Australian universities and can lead to severe penalties. Always cite your sources correctly, even when paraphrasing.

Check your course guidelines for the correct referencing style. Common styles in Australia include:

APA (used in psychology, nursing, education)
Harvard (used in business, law, and social sciences)
AGLC (for legal studies)

Online tools like EndNote, Zotero, or Cite This For Me can help manage citations efficiently.

7. Focus on Critical Thinking Over Description

One common mistake students make is being overly descriptive. Australian universities value critical thinking—this means:

Analysing information
Comparing perspectives
Evaluating evidence
Drawing well-supported conclusions

Don’t just describe what a theorist said—explain its significance and apply it to your argument.

8. Proofread and Edit Thoroughly

Even the best ideas can be undermined by poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and awkward phrasing. After writing your draft:

Take a short break before revisiting it with fresh eyes.
Read your assignment aloud to catch clunky sentences.
Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to refine your writing.

Better yet, ask a friend or study partner to proofread it. A second pair of eyes often catches what you miss.

9. Use Assignment Help Services Responsibly

There’s no harm in seeking support, but always use academic help services ethically. You can:

Hire a tutor to review your draft
Use professional proofreading services
Attend university writing workshops
Access free online resources from your university

Be cautious of “write my assignment” services that promise guaranteed grades. Submitting purchased work is considered academic misconduct and can result in disciplinary action.

10. Stay Aware of Cultural and Academic Expectations

If you’re an international student in Australia, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with Australian academic culture. Differences may exist in:

Writing expectations
Academic integrity policies
Teacher-student communication

Most universities offer free orientation sessions and academic support for international students. Don’t hesitate to attend them and ask for guidance.

Bonus Tip: Take Care of Your Wellbeing

Good academic performance isn’t just about study—mental and physical wellbeing play a huge role. If you're feeling overwhelmed:

Reach out to university counsellors
Use student helplines
Join peer support groups
Stay active and get enough sleep

Balancing your studies with self-care is crucial for long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Assignment writing is really difficult for a lot of people and that is the reason why they are always looking for some strategies to improve the quality of their writing as well as the academic results. These top ten assignment tips have been developed to assist students from Australia regardless of whether they are the nursing students in Adelaide, the business students in Brisbane or the engineering students in Perth.

Time management, the use of the most reliable sources, a clear way of writing and maintaining academic integrity are the sure ways of getting higher grades and being more confident in your academic journey.

Thus, forget about worries the next time you are given a difficult essay or a report to write. Just come back to these tips, do it step by step, and increase your chances of success.