The first step to conduct the requested assignment is to get an overview of the information that can outline the requested assignment, like understanding and defining the assignment/research requirements:

• Details: The main ideas requested in the assignment should be clearly understood. If the assignment requires either general or detailed information, any questions should be directed to the professor for clarification. It should also be determined whether specific keywords are available for use or whether a particular citation style is required. These considerations will support the next stages of the writing process.
  
  
• Timeline: Know when the due date will be, as this will enable make the required task of the assignment.
  
  
• Audience: Understand how academic audiences think and what style of language is preferred (academic tone).
  
  
• Format & Length: Is it requested as a Word or PDF document or presentation? What number of pages are requested?

After understanding the main requirements, It’s essential to understand the idea of the assignment/research topic to start thinking logically and systematically about how the information of the research/assignment will flow.

To get an overview, such as definitions, general ideas, and basic information, By Start with using library resources, Internet search engines, or AI tools.

1. Library Printed Resources :

The library's physical collection supports research, education, and exploration, so patrons can use it to get the needed information by:

• Using the OPAC to search and find the needed collection. 

OPAC: Stands for "Online Public Access Catalog" and it is a tool that allows users to search and access the Library's Collection.

• Get the call numbers of the resources, then reach them in the library. 
• Using resources inside the library or borrowing them. (Review Circulation Policy/Borrowing Rules)

2. Library Digital Resources:

Using open access resources, EKB databases, and subscription databases, check library digital resources.

3. Supportive Resources:

Bayda University Library provides its community with subject guides that contain search agents, dictionaries, e-books, and e-journals and additionally resources based on the field and academic requirements. Check the subject guides

4. AI Tools:

Before using AI tools, it is essential to learn how to use AI tools correctly and ethically check AI page

Note that Google & AI are good to just start, but never stop there. click here to know more about how to use AI. 

Notes: Getting information from trusted resources, it is necessary to insert a reference list and maintain integrity check citation and reference list.

Keywords (subject words, search terms, Headings, ...) can be defined as significant words or phrases of the main ideas or concepts in the topic that can be used while searching.

At this stage, decide which keywords will be used while searching to get more scientific facts and expand knowledge with accurate, specific, and needed information to be expressed for the assignment/research.

Note: searching in scientific databases, by writing a complete sentence or question, may be getting a few results or nothing. It is essential to think strategically to develop keywords, This requires the expansion of vocabulary and thinking outside the box.

Exercise example:
Create some keywords to be used to search for the following topic...
"The Role of Libraries in Supporting Research"

Keywords we can get are:
(Library – Research – Library Role – Research Support – Research Process)

To learn more about how to make keywords identification, check these videos...

What are keywords and why are they important?

From question to keywords: Beginning academic research

The search stage can take time because each topic may include thousands of resources in databases, in addition to millions of web pages discussing a wide range of scientific subjects. It is not possible to read all available materials; search techniques are used to save time and improve the effectiveness of the search process. These techniques help users communicate efficiently with search engines in order to get the most relevant resources needed. Some of these search techniques include:

1. Boolean Searching

Figure (1): Boolean Searching (Badya University Library, 2026)

Boolean searching is a search technique that uses logic-based words, known as operators or connectors, to combine search terms and get relevant results efficiently. The most commonly used Boolean operators are AND, NOT and OR.

4. Limiters, Filtration tools, or Refinement options


Figure (2): Filtration Tools (Badya University Library, 2026) 

This stage allows to evaluate the retrieved items or the resources that reached out to and decide if the retrieved item is valid to be used as a reference, which strengthens the conclusions, or not. and there are several evaluation tools that can be supportive. Evaluation Methods:

1. CRAAP Test: Each character refers to something, as it is explained below:

Figure (3): CRAAP Test (Badya University Library, 2026)

2. SIFT Method: Each character refers to something, as it is explained below:

Figure (5): SIFT Method (Badya University Library, 2026) 

3. SMART Check: Each character refers to something, as it is explained below:

Figure (6): SMART Check (Badya University Library,2025) 

Reading an academic resource is different; it is not like reading a novel. Some resources should not read from beginning to end, in one sitting.
Therefore, there are several steps that can be useful, to red effectively:

1. Before starting reading, ask yourself:
- Why am I reading this?
- What do I want to get out of it?
- What do I already know?
- How will I know when I have read enough?

2. Use the Bird's Eye View method:
It provides an overall understanding of the resource and enables a decision regarding whether it should be reread to collect additional data and support the research process.
This method includes reading the title, the abstract, the keywords, an introduction, a conclusion, and main headings, and finally having a look at tables, charts, and graphs.

3. Read the resource again multiple times:
Notice that you do not have to read every single word each time, but it will give you more information and shape some knowledge in your brain.

4. Direct to a specific paragraph:
The paragraph from which the needed information is to be taken should be referred to, and notes should be taken and summarized while the question ‘What does it say?’  is considered.

Academic writing is different from general writing for a novel or on social media, as it has its own structures and rules, and it must be written systematically. Here are a few steps that can support:

1. Plan and organize:
Review papers of the same type as the requested assignment before start writing, for example, if it is requested to write a systematic review, view systematic reviews, and if it is requested to write a reflection essay, view reflection essays.
Plan and organize the order of the ideas in your mind; to do this, use diagrams, mind maps, outlines, and lists to list the ideas for the written content. Note that this will be helped you to think about the order and see how paragraphs follow on from each other.

2. Writing the content:
Ask if there is any template or cover letter to follow for your assignment, according to it. If not, you can create your own cover, for example:

Figure (8): Example for cover of assignment (Badya University Library, 2025) 

You can add any content you want to support the idea, such as explanations, analyses, comparisons, and evaluations, as well as illustrations, diagrams, and tables.

Maintain academic integrity while writing:
Academic integrity is defined as “acting in a way that is honest, fair, respectful, and responsible in your studies and academic work. It means applying these values in your own work.” (Monash University, n.d.)
Academic honesty manners include maintaining honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility, and in a simple word, it is never copying and pasting or using any type of content (text, illustrations, tables, etc.) without mention, Academic integrity can be maintained through practices such as paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting, and citing sources appropriately.

3. List of Resources:
As an academic student and researcher, The assignment/research must include a list of resources in the end of the content.
By Using:

- Online Citation Tools (Cite this for me / Scribber)
- Google Scholar Citation
- Resource, Citation in the database.
For advanced academic years, there are a lot of software programs that can help you with this list, and for further information, you can reach Citation & References. 

4. Tips & Tricks:
- Try to use a more formal academic tone while writing.
- Avoid using AI without a mention.
- Quotation mustn't be more than 10% of the whole text.