Quick Help: Analyzing a college writing assignment

• What exactly does the assignment ask you to do? Look for such words as analyze, classify, compare, contrast, describe, discuss, define, explain, and survey. Remember that the meaning of these words may differ among disciplines—analyze might mean one thing in literature, another in biology.

• What is your purpose? Do you need to demonstrate knowledge of certain material or show your ability to express certain ideas clearly?

• Who is the audience for this writing? Does the task imply that you will assume a particular readership other than your instructor?

• Do you need clarification of any terms? If so, talk with classmates or your instructor.

• What do you need to know or find out to complete the assignment? What kinds of exploration will you need to do, and where are you most likely to find the information you need?

• What does the instructor expect from your response to this assignment?

• How can you limit—or broaden—the topic or assignment to make it more interesting? Do you have interest in or knowledge about any particular aspect of the topic? Be sure to check with your instructor if you wish to redefine the assignment.

• What problem(s) does the topic suggest to you? How might the problem(s) give you an interesting angle on the topic?

• What are the assignment’s specific requirements? Consider genre, length, format, organization, and deadline—all of which will help you know the scope expected. If no length is designated, ask for guidelines.