Quick Help: Analyzing an assignment

• What is the purpose of the assignment? Are you expected to start or join a discussion, demonstrate mastery of a topic, or something else? (2d)
• Who is the audience? The instructor will be one audience, but are there others? If so, who are they? (2e)
• What does the assignment ask of you? Look for key terms such as summarize, explain, evaluate, interpret, illustrate, and define.
• Do you need clarification of any terms? If so, ask your instructor.
• What do you need to know or find out to complete the assignment? You may need to do background reading, develop a procedure for analyzing or categorizing information, or carry out some other kind of preparation.
• What does the instructor expect in response? How will you use sources (both written and visual)? How should you organize and develop the assignment? What is the expected format and length?
• Can you find a model of an effective response to a similar assignment?
• What do other students think the assignment requires? Talking over an assignment with classmates is one good way to test your understanding.