Writing Assignments Guide

The assignments that you are given by your instructors can differ. You need to be able to identify what type of assignment it is first, before you begin working on it. This guide will discuss in more detail some of the more common types of assignments you may be assigned, but listed below are just a few examples of what you may see in your courses.

Assessment type & Description

• An essay - An academic essay is a piece of writing in which you present your position on a topic, and support that position by evidence.
• A literature review - A literature review is a type of academic writing that provides an overview of existing knowledge in a particular field of research.
• An annotated bibliography - An annotated bibliography is a list of information sources (e.g. journal articles or book chapters) on a particular topic with a reference accompanied by a brief commentary on each source, known as an annotation.
• A rhetorical analysis - A rhetorical analysis is a type of writing that considers all elements of the rhetorical situation which includes the audience, purpose, medium, and context of a work within which a communication was generated and delivered in order to make an argument about that communication.
• A report - A report is a well-structured and researched document that informs a specific audience on a particular problem or topic. The purpose of a report is to inform, guide or influence decision making and/or the outcome of a course of action.
• A reflection - A reflection requires you to describe an event, experience or interaction and then to explore its connection to academic content and to your current learning. Its purpose is to document your evolving learning.
• A case study - A case study requires you to analyse a specific situation and discuss how its different elements relate to theory. The case can refer to a real-life or hypothetical event, organisation, individual or group of people and/or issue.
• An oral presentation - An oral presentation requires you to present your knowledge to an audience individually or as part of a team. It can be part of a bigger assessment task or a stand-alone assessment. It can vary in format and formality, e.g. presented live or recorded, and it can vary in length from a few minutes to a whole tutorial.

Next take a look at your instructions carefully and try to find all the words in the task that direct you to do something specific. Are you being asked to analyse, discuss, evaluate, explain, reflect or something else? If you are uncertain about a specific term, remember you can always ask your instructor to clarify. It never hurts to ask for help.

Listed below are some common terms that may be used to describe an assignment.

• Analyse - To examine an argument, a theory or process in detail and to explain and interpret it
• Argue - To present the case for and/or against a particular proposition using reasons and/or evidence to convince the audience
• Comment on - To point out the important features of something and to discuss it critically
• Compare - To identify and explain similarities and differences
• Contrast - To stress the differences between two or more things (for example, two theories, two findings)
• Critique - To evaluate in a detailed or analytical way
• Critically... - (e.g. “critically analyse”) To approach the task by evaluating the claims, reasoning or evidence
• Define - To provide concise, clear, and authoritative meanings. To give the limits of the definition, but omit detailed explanations. Show how the item defined differs from items in other classes.
• Describe - To explain clearly. Recount, characterise, outline, and relate in sequence
• Discuss - To examine from several perspectives, giving reasons for and against. Be complete and give details, usually with a view to assessing how satisfactory something is.
• Evaluate - To appraise in relation to a standard, referring to advantages, limitations, and costs and benefits if appropriate.
• Examine - To investigate critically. To appraise a subject in detail.
• Explain - To clarify, interpret, and elaborate on the material presented. Give reasons for differences of opinion or results, and try to analyse causes.
• Illustrate - To use a concrete example, diagram, or figure to explain or clarify a problem
• Indicate - To identify, and then focus attention on something, so as to clarify
• Justify - To prove or give reasons for conclusions or decisions
• Outline - To present the essential features, showing main points and subordinate points. Omit minor details.
• Review - To examine a subject critically, analysing and commenting on the important or controversial statements.
• State - To present the main points in a brief and clear sequence, usually omitting details or examples
• Summarise - To give the main points or facts in a condensed form

Identify the concept or content words in the task. These words tell you what to discuss, evaluate, or compare.

After identifying the key words, make sure you know precisely what they mean. Every field of study has its own specific vocabulary and some words may have different meanings from everyday usage.

As you research, look for the meanings of, and synonyms for key words that might be included in relevant books or articles.

Find the words in the task that help you to limit the scope of your response. Phrases such as ‘focus on’, ‘confine your discussion to’ or ‘refer to three examples’ provide boundaries for your writing or presentation. The question may specify a date range or geographical area.

The word limit gives you a good idea of the amount of detail to include. If the limit is low, 150 words for example, you can only provide an overview of the topic. If you are asked to write 2000 words, an in-depth analysis is expected.