Approaching assessment: Demonstrating your knowledge
Assessment at university includes various formats, each with different demands and opportunities. Different programs will use different types of assessment. If you have a learning access plan or adjustments, some of these assessment features might be altered for you to make them more accessible, e.g. taking an exam in a smaller quieter room.
When you get information about your assessments, it should include instructions on how to complete the assessment, and a marking guide that will tell you what your marker is going to be looking for so you can optimise your performance.
Understanding different assessment types
|
Written assignments |
Exams |
|---|---|
|
Essays requiring critical analysis and argumentation Reports following specific formats and structures Literature reviews synthesising multiple sources Research projects investigating specific questions |
May be multiple choice, short answer, or essay format Usually time-limited and held in large venues Often worth significant percentages of your final grade May require memorisation of facts and concepts, or may be ‘open book’ where you can bring in notes |
| Presentations | Practical Assessment |
|---|---|
|
Individual or group presentations to class May be formal or informal in style Often assessed on content, delivery, and visual aids Time limits are typically enforced |
Laboratory reports and practical demonstrations Portfolio submissions showing ongoing work Creative projects in relevant disciplines Field work and placements in some courses |
Strategies for academic success
Playing to your strengths
- If you have strong attention to detail, use this for research and referencing
- If you prefer systematic approaches, create templates and checklists
- If you have deep interests, look for ways to connect assignments to your passions
- If you think logically, focus on clear argument structure
🔎Research Tip
Research shows that autistic students can struggle with starting assignments and managing deadlines (Gibbs et al., 2024).
Effective strategies include:
- Break large tasks into smaller steps: Instead of "write 2000-word essay," list specific tasks like "find 5 sources," "create outline," "write introduction"
- Use visual planning tools: Wall planners, calendars, or apps that show deadlines clearly
- Start early, even if it's just planning: You don't need to write perfectly from the beginning
- Set up your environment: Minimise distractions and create conditions where you can focus
Getting help
You aren’t expected to be able to complete all your university assignments perfectly without any help. Check out the section below called ‘Support systems: getting help when you need it’ for information about how you can find supports for completing your assessment.
Importantly, if there are parts of your assessment that just aren’t working for you, you might be able to get an adjustment: see ‘putting supports in place’ for more information about accessing disability supports.
You may also be able to ask for examples of past students' work to see how they structured their assignment.