How to Start an Assignment When You Have No Idea

How to start an assignment when you have no idea is a question almost every student asks at some point. You start a blank piece of paper, read through several times and still can’t write the first sentence. Pressure seems to increase due to the blinking cursor.

Fortunately, this is a natural reaction. It’s not because you are not able or lazy. Many of the students find it difficult to start as they don’t know where to start. Getting going is the hard part, and then it’s typically pretty easy after that.

For those who want to learn more about writing and study skills, check out the academic resources on Scholars Planet. This guide outlines the steps you can take to kick off your assignment with simple steps to get from a blank page to a plan for your writing.

Why Starting Feels So Hard (Even When You Understand the Topic)

When students have knowledge of a topic yet still suffer from assignment writer’s block, many of them are hindered by the difficulty of writing an assignment. Many students have writer’s block despite knowing the topic to be written. Too many times, the issue is not about a lack of knowledge. Rather, the pressure of a blank page makes one feel that each of the choices is vital.

Another frequent cause of perfectionism. There are a lot of students who think that the first sentence should be flawless. They use 30 minutes as a thinking time rather than writing time. Actually, your initial draft merely must cover the existence. It’s always possible to make improvements later on.

The instructions for the assignments are sometimes confusing as well. When you don’t know exactly what the question is asking, it will be difficult to start. Prior to writing anything, be sure you comprehend this task.

Step 1: Break Down the Assignment Question

The first step to starting a project is to break down an assignment into steps rather than thinking about the whole project at once.

Carefully read the question on the assignment. Emphasise words of instruction, like analyse, compare and contrast, discuss, evaluate or explain. The words give you a clear indication of what your lecturer is expecting.

Now, paraphrase the question. Use your imagination to pretend you’re talking to a friend. If it can’t be put into words, then you may need to seek further clarification from your instructor before proceeding.

Then divide up the task into smaller questions.

For example:

Assignment question:

Analyse the effects of social media on students at university.

Divide it up into smaller steps:

• What do you think social media is?
• What are the consequences for learning?
• What are the benefits of this?
• What are some of the problems with the idea?
• Which evidence is provided to back up each of the statements?

I’m starting to feel like I’m answering five small questions, rather than a big essay.

Step 2: Do a Quick “Brain Dump” Before Any Research

A lot of students believe that they need to do some research prior to writing something. This has the potential of putting extra strain.

Rather, set aside 10 minutes to write all that you know about the subject.

No need to be concerned about grammar.

Ignore the structure, don’t be concerned about it.

Don’t even consider coming up with the right answer.

Write down all the ideas that you can think of.

Making paragraphs seem difficult? Make a simple mind map. Write the topic in the centre of the page, then draw branches to other ideas, examples, definitions and/or questions.

Step 3: Build a Rough Skeleton Before You Write Content

The best of the assignment planning tips is to have an outline before writing paragraphs.

Imagine a building, as if it were your assignment. The frame must be built to attach the walls.

Outline might be something as simple as this:

• Introduction
• Main Point One
• Main Point Two
• Main Point Three
• Conclusion

For each heading, list 2-3 bullets to describe what you want to put in your story.

For example:

Main Point One

• Definition
• Key evidence
• Example

Main Point Two

• Research finding
• Discussion
• Supporting source

This outline is used as a roadmap for you.

You don’t have to complete one section before going on to another, either. Include notes for yourself, e.g.

• Add statistic here
• Find a journal article
• Insert example later

These can keep you going, rather than stopping periodically to look for information.

An extended piece of homework is much less daunting if you break it up into several smaller tasks. Don’t worry about writing 2,000 words; instead, just write one heading at a time. The more you make and the more you get used to it, the more you are confident and the more steps you can take, the more you can see in the next section.

Step 4: Use the Two-Minute Rule to Beat the Freeze

Want to learn how to overcome procrastination on assignments? Unfortunately, a lot of people let their work wait, so if you’re one of them, you can use a simple method, known as the two-minute rule. Tell yourself that you are going to work for 2 minutes.

Open your document. Read the question but only one time. If you have to write one sentence or one bullet point. Once you get a student started, most will work for an extended period of time after two minutes.

This approach works because it may be the most challenging component to begin with. This assignment can be done in one sitting or multiple sittings. It’s just a start you need to make.

Step 5: Start With the Easiest Section, Not the Introduction

Students often think that they need to start with the introduction. That’s often the hardest thing to write, though.

Instead of wondering what to do when you don’t know how to start writing, begin with the area that you know best. If you have one point which you know, write that one first. Once you’ve got your momentum going, the rest of the way will be easier.

When writing an essay and you don’t know how to begin an essay when stuck, just keep in mind that when the essay body is done, the introduction will be easier to write. When you understand your assignment, it’s considerably less work to introduce it.

The same concept goes for how to start an essay introduction. Write it at the end of your main arguments, rather than trying to get it right from the start.

Step 6: Set Small, Realistic Goals and Track Progress

Don’t try to do too much in one night, such as completing the entire assignment. Rather, work on individual goals, one at a time.

For example:

• Write 250 words.
• Complete one heading.
• Identify 3 scholarly resources.
• Edit one section.

You feel good about making progress on each task you complete. Minor successes help to maintain motivation and alleviate stress.

When to Ask for Help

In some instances of how to start an assignment, despite taking all the steps, you are unable to take the next step. Sometimes students don’t understand the assignment, the topic is out of their comfort zone, or the due date is imminent. Talking to your lecturer or teaching assistant should be the first step you take. Can give explanations of unclear instructions and respond to questions regarding the task.

There are numerous colleges and universities with writing centres, too, that offer suggestions for structure, organisation, and academic writing. If time is ticking, then academic assistance is a viable alternative as well. If students require assistance with writing that is structured, then they can use services like Do My Assignment for Me.

In addition, students who are specifically focused on writing essays can also find an Essay Writing Service.

If you have any report, presentation or other academic work, Coursework Writing Services might be able to offer additional advice.

Conclusion

The most challenging aspect of the writing process may be the beginning. After the first, all the sections are easier. Pay attention to the question, develop a simple outline, write without trying to be flawless and work toward small and realistic goals.

For extra academic assistance, just check out Do My Homework. If you’d like to read student Reviews before making your decision, for details about the services that are available, check out the Contact Us page. Once you are ready to go, you can do so by pressing Order Now. Keep in mind, all assignments are started by one sentence. After taking that initial first step today, things may progress from there.

FAQs

Q: Why do I freeze up when starting an assignment even though I understand the topic?

This is typically a result of the stress induced when someone is confronted with a blank page. Students may attempt to write the perfect opening sentence rather than putting some of their ideas on the page.

Q: What’s the fastest way to get unstuck on an assignment?

Set the timer for 2 minutes, and write down anything to do with the topic. When students start, momentum builds, and most students stay on task for the remainder of the minutes.

Q: Should I write the introduction first?

No. The introduction is typically easiest to write at the end, after the main body of the assignment is written, since you should already know what your assignment is about.

Q: How do I break down a long assignment so it feels less overwhelming?

Break it up into parts and set a word count limit for each. When you work on one section at a time, it’s a lot less daunting than the whole thing.

Q: What should I do if I’m completely stuck and running out of time?

If the deadline is too near to finish the assignment without help, please ask your instructor if you can get help, go to your university’s writing centre or use other academic services.