Guidelines for Mini Test Cum Assignment

Assignment Title: My City from a Planner’s Perspective

1. Structure of the Assignment

Your assignment should be 6 pages total:

  • Page 1: Cover Letter (your name, roll number, assignment title, date, etc.)
  • Pages 2–6: Main Content (5 pages) – each page must be written in a different composition style, using the 10 principles of layout design.

2. Content Requirements

Your write-up should cover the following themes:

  1. Location of the City
    • Geographical location (latitude/longitude if possible).
    • Administrative details (state, district, region).
    • Climate and natural features.
  2. Brief History
    • Origin and foundation.
    • Key historical events.
    • Influence of rulers, trade, culture, or industries.
  3. Importance of the City
    • Economic significance (industries, markets, IT, agriculture, etc.).
    • Political or administrative role (capital, district HQ).
    • Educational and cultural institutions.
  4. Tourist Attractions
    • Major monuments, temples, parks, or museums.
    • Heritage sites, festivals, fairs.
    • New-age attractions like malls, gardens, riverfronts.
  5. Your Likes and Dislikes
    • As a planner, highlight what you like (parks, heritage, infrastructure, transport).
    • Mention problems/dislikes (pollution, traffic, slums, overcrowding).
    • Suggest improvements with planner’s perspective.

3. The 10 Principles of Layout Design and Their Use

For this assignment, each of the five content pages should experiment with different combinations of design principles. Here’s how you can apply them: (You can read in detail at https://track2training.com/2025/09/12/10-principles-of-design-for-microsoft-word-documents/

(i) Balance

  • Distribute text and visuals evenly across the page.
  • Example: On one page, write text on the left and place a map/sketch on the right.

(ii) Alignment

  • Keep text aligned properly (left, center, or justified).
  • Example: Use left-aligned paragraphs with right-aligned image captions.

(iii) Hierarchy

  • Use clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points.
  • Example: Headings in bold/large size, sub-points in smaller font.

(iv) Contrast

  • Highlight key facts or quotes using boxes, bold text, or different colors.
  • Example: A quote like “Cities are the engines of growth” inside a colored box.

(v) Repetition

  • Maintain a consistent style across pages (same font for headings, same bullet style).
  • Example: Use the same border design or title placement on each page.

(vi) Proximity

  • Group related content together.
  • Example: Keep history paragraphs together and tourist attractions in one section instead of scattering.

(vii) White Space

  • Do not fill the page fully with text—leave margins, gaps, or empty areas.
  • Example: Write a paragraph in the center with wide borders on all sides.

(viii) Simplicity

  • Avoid over-decoration. Use neat boxes, underlines, or bullet points.
  • Example: Draw a simple city skyline outline at the bottom of the page.

(ix) Movement/Flow

  • Arrange text and visuals so that the reader’s eyes naturally flow across the page.
  • Example: Write in a “Z-pattern” where the eye moves left to right, then diagonally down.

(x) Unity

  • All elements should look connected. Use same color pencils for diagrams, same heading style.
  • Example: If you choose blue for location maps, use the same shade for other illustrations.

4. Page-by-Page Composition Plan

Here’s how you can structure the 5 content pages using the design principles:

Page 2: Location

  • Heading at top (Hierarchy).
  • Map of your city (Balance with text).
  • Box with quick facts (Contrast).
  • Clean alignment left for text.

Page 3: History

  • Timeline diagram with arrows (Movement).
  • Small illustrations (fort, temple, etc.).
  • Group events into 3 sections (Proximity).
  • White space around the diagram.

Page 4: Importance of the City

  • Use two columns (Alignment & Balance).
  • Left: Economic role (bullets).
  • Right: Cultural/educational role (short paras).
  • Repeat icon style for industries, schools, etc. (Repetition).

Page 5: Tourist Attractions

  • Large heading in creative style (Hierarchy).
  • Pictures or hand-drawn sketches of attractions.
  • Use boxes for each place with captions.
  • Contrast important site names with bold/highlight.

Page 6: Likes & Dislikes (Planner’s Perspective)

  • Use two boxes side by side: “What I Like” and “What I Dislike.”
  • Add a quote about sustainable cities.
  • Suggest improvements in bullet points.
  • Leave some empty margin (White Space).

5. Cover Letter (Page 1)

Your cover letter should look professional. It must contain:

  • Title of Assignment (My City from a Planner’s Perspective).
  • Your Name, Roll Number, Subject/Department.
  • Date of submission.
  • A short statement like:
    “This assignment is submitted as part of the Mini Test Cum Assignment to explore my city from the lens of planning, highlighting its location, history, importance, tourism, and challenges.”

Keep it center-aligned, simple, and neat.

6. Tips for Illustrations & Diagrams

  • You don’t need to paste printed pictures—simple line diagrams drawn with pencil and colored lightly will be better.
  • Examples:
    • Sketch a city map with rivers, roads, and main landmarks.
    • Draw monuments as outline sketches.
    • Show traffic problems with arrows and vehicles.
    • Use bar graphs (population growth, tourists per year).

7. Writing Style

  • Use clear and simple English (avoid long complicated sentences).
  • Write in paragraphs and bullet points.
  • Add quotes or proverbs about cities (e.g., “A developed city is not one where the poor own cars, but one where the rich use public transport.”).
  • Keep grammar and spelling correct.

8. Evaluation Basis

Your teacher will likely evaluate based on:

  • Content Quality (coverage of all sections).
  • Composition Skills (use of layout principles).
  • Creativity (drawings, diagrams, color use).
  • Neatness & Presentation (no overwriting, proper alignment).
  • Personal Reflection (your likes/dislikes with planner’s vision).

9. Word Count & Time Management

  • Each page should have 300–400 words approx., so overall 1500–1800 words.
  • Keep time for drawing maps/diagrams (don’t leave it for last minute).

10. Conclusion

This assignment is not only about describing your city but also about experimenting with design and composition. The 10 layout principles will help you learn how to present content in a visually appealing and structured way. If followed properly, your work will look professional, planner-oriented, and creative.