ASSIGNMENT 2 GUIDANCE
MY CHOSEN ISSUE/TOPIC IS: UNDERACHIEVEMENT IN BLACK AFROCARIBBEAN BOYS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Submission deadline: Saturday 23rd April 2016
via Turnitin
Word count: 2000 words -/+ 10%
Weighting: 40%
Overview of assignment 2 structure
To help your assignment structure-you may have the following
5 headings in your Assignment 2:
 Introduction
 Thematic
 Gaps
analysis
for further research
 Conclusion
 Reference
list
(complete end of assignment reference list according to the Harvard reference format)
Writing your introduction (approx. 300 words)
For your introduction tell the reader :
• What is the current issue that you are reviewing/ what is your research question?
• What is your rationale /justification for selecting this topic/research focus? Why is
it a current issue? Please support your points with reference to suitable and
credible reading.
• Provide academically referenced definition/s for any key concepts that are
relevant for your assignment.
• What range /types of documents are you using to inform your assignment? Have
you selected materials that are appropriate, credible, authentic and current? Are
these sources in the public or another domain ? Are these primary, secondary
sources or a combination of both?
• Give signposts- tell the reader about the structure of your assignment e.g. First I
will do a thematic analysis…..then I will identify gaps for….etc ( no need to
mention that you will write a conclusion- it is anticipated that every essay has a
conclusion)
Thematic analysis (approx. 1500 words)

Identify 3 key reoccurring themes that emerge in your documents in response to your
research question. (It is anticipated that you will use a broad range of documents
including academic journal articles and books to enhance and support the credibility
of your points.)

It is useful to have a brief introductory statement telling the reader what the 3 themes
are especially if you have not already done so in your introduction section. You can
use subheadings for each theme.

Compare, contrast and analyse the findings, and where relevant e.g. for academic
journal articles, the research paradigms and underpinning theory informing the
findings under each theme.

Some areas to consider where relevant are:
•
To what extent does data/evidence provided really support the argument/ solutions that the author
claims?
•
Are the points/ arguments/ evidence provided influenced by any hidden bias or hidden assumptions?
•
To what extent does the underpinning theory /research paradigm inform the argument made? Would
other theories and paradigms further develop perspective and understanding?
•
Does the evidence and argument in the document really support the conclusions in the document?
Gaps identified for further research
Based on comparing, contrasting and analysing findings in a variety of documents under your
thematic analysis section are there:

Any issues/areas that have not been researched a lot and require further research in order to
help develop understanding for your research question?

Do academic journal articles rely on a particular research methodology that has limitations?
Could there be other methodologies that may be used? Are the suggested methodologies
located in a similar/different research paradigm that may offer a different perspective or
further consolidate and deepen understanding of existing perspective?

How might addressing gaps identified enhance practice and/or policy?
Normally this section would consist of a paragraph.
Conclusion

A short paragraph that pulls together the highlights/main points in
your assignment and reminds the reader how this may respond to
your research question.
End of assignment referencing

It would be useful to use 15 documents (if not more…I know one student who used 21
sources in a brilliant assignment – that compared, contrasted and analysed findings
under each theme)

This can include and build on the sources that you have already used for Task Log 3a:
Group presentation and consist of various credible documents that are available online
and/or in hard copy version, i.e. policy documents, governmental documents,
academic books and academic journal articles, third sector organization resources (i.e.
charities, non-governmental organisations), media publications e.g. newspaper articles.
This could be national and/or international.

Please ensure that all end of assignment referencing is completed according to the
Harvard referencing format.
If you need support with referencing- please visit the study skills centre or look at the
resources on portal under my learning for study skills support.
Tips for writing

You will need to apply analytical thinking to all materials that you select. It is
important to support your point/argument with reference to wider reading. You are
expected to use well researched evidence to support your point. Therefore, you
will need to be sure that the evidence you provide is accurate and reliable.

Thoroughly proofread your writing to check that your sentences are concise and clear.
Ensure that your sentence structures are grammatically accurate and that there are no
spelling mistakes.

Ensure that your in-text referencing and end of assignment referencing is accurately
completed according to the Harvard referencing format.

Consistently support your points with reference to wider academic reading.

Use formal written English.

Self-assess your completed assignment against the Level 5 grading criteria and the
Assignment 2 brief/specifications.

Do an originality check to see your turnitin result and address any issues that may
be construed as plagiarism before the submission of your assignment.
Presentation of written work
Presentation of your written work is important. It would, therefore, help you to adhere to the
guidance outlined below.
Normally, your work should be:
Word processed/typed

Size 12 plain font e.g. Times New Roman

Double line spaced

Right hand margin and left hand margin- justified alignment so both sides are equal

Page numbered from first page of text, centred at bottom of page

Reference list at the end of the assignment has single line spacing