Work together with your classmates to analyze your assignment. Use the following prompts to guide your analysis:
Determine whether a topic has been assigned. If a topic has been assigned, look for indications of how you should address the topic. If you are allowed to choose your own topic, look for indications of what the instructor considers an appropriate topic.
Examine the assignment for discussions of purpose. What purposes might a writer pursue through this assignment? Identify your own purposes — personal, professional, academic — and those of your classmates for working on this assignment.
Identify and describe potential readers. Describe their likely needs, interests, backgrounds, and knowledge of the topic. Ask why readers would want to read your document.
Determine the role of sources in your document. Identify potential sources of information that will help you learn about your topic. Then determine whether you need to cite a minimum number of sources or use a specific documentation system, such as MLA or APA.
Identify the context in which the document will be written and read. For example, will your document be read in print or online? How have historic or recent events shaped your readers’ understanding of and attitudes toward your topic?
Identify the genre, if any, defined by the assignment. If the assignment leaves the choice of genre open, identify genres that are well suited to the assignment.
Understand requirements and limitations. Look for specific requirements and limitations, such as document length and due date, that will affect your ability to address a particular topic. Identify other requirements, such as number of sources, document structure, documentation system, and intermediate assignments or rough drafts.
List potential opportunities. Identify opportunities that might save time or enhance the quality of the document.