1. Start every assignment early: Usually the assignments will be posted on your portal and you will.be told when they are due. Begin research on day one and identify the resources - books, articles and white papers you will read.
2. Read the rubric: This can't be overemphasised as it is what the professor expects from you. During my masters, I usually copied and pasted the rubric to my assignment and worked through it step by step.
3. Create a powerful outline: introduction, discussion/ argument, conclusion and references.
4. Integrate the rubric and outline: At this point you merge what you have outlined with the rubric. Definitely some items will belong to either of the 3 sections in the outline. This has to be done carefully to make it flow.
5. Critique, critique, critique: Challenge everything you Read! As a foregnenr2 this is very easy to do. For instance, a theory is only as good as it's applicable everywhere , so ask yourself "will this work in Nigeria?"
6. Format on point: APA or Harvard - get it right! Every comma and full stop matters.
6. Print out as many drafts: If you start early, you May be able to print out a draft and edit over and over prior to submission. This is good because you earn points for each ara if your paper that is spot on.
7. Target early submission: Slow internet is not just a Nigerian thing. Waiting to submit last minute could slow down the process as everyone is working at the same time to access Turnitin or whatever portal your university uses. Trick is to submit early so you don't experience this.
8. Challenge your grade: If you follow the points above, nothing stops you from getting an A grade. In the event that you get a C or something crazy, schedule an appointment with your professor. Yes! This is not Nigeria where someone is marking your face. Ask politely why your grade is below expectation and go along with a printed copy of what you submitted.
All the best!