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Understanding Writing Assignments

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How to Decipher the Paper Assignment

Many instructors write their assignment prompts differently. By following a few steps, you can better understand the requirements for the assignment. The best way, as always, is to ask the instructor about anything confusing.

Read the prompt the entire way through once. This gives you an overall view of what is going on.
Underline or circle the portions that you absolutely must know. This information may include due date, research (source) requirements, page length, and format (MLA, APA, CMS).
Underline or circle important phrases. You should know your instructor at least a little by now - what phrases do they use in class? Does he repeatedly say a specific word? If these are in the prompt, you know the instructor wants you to use them in the assignment.
Think about how you will address the prompt. The prompt contains clues on how to write the assignment. Your instructor will often describe the ideas they want discussed either in questions, in bullet points, or in the text of the prompt. Think about each of these sentences and number them so that you can write a paragraph or section of your essay on that portion if necessary.
Rank ideas in descending order, from most important to least important. Instructors may include more questions or talking points than you can cover in your assignment, so rank them in the order you think is more important. One area of the prompt may be more interesting to you than another.
Ask your instructor questions if you have any.

After you are finished with these steps, ask yourself the following:

What is the purpose of this assignment? Is my purpose to provide information without forming an argument, to construct an argument based on research, or analyze a poem and discuss its imagery?
Who is my audience? Is my instructor my only audience? Who else might read this? Will it be posted online? What are my readers' needs and expectations?
What resources do I need to begin work? Do I need to conduct literature (hermeneutic or historical) research, or do I need to review important literature on the topic and then conduct empirical research, such as a survey or an observation? How many sources are required?
Who - beyond my instructor - can I contact to help me if I have questions? Do you have a writing lab or student service center that offers tutorials in writing?

(Notes on prompts made in blue )

Poster or Song Analysis: Poster or Song? Poster!

Goals : To systematically consider the rhetorical choices made in either a poster or a song. She says that all the time.

Things to Consider: ah- talking points

how the poster addresses its audience and is affected by context I'll do this first - 1.
general layout, use of color, contours of light and shade, etc.
use of contrast, alignment, repetition, and proximity C.A.R.P. They say that, too. I'll do this third - 3.
the point of view the viewer is invited to take, poses of figures in the poster, etc. any text that may be present
possible cultural ramifications or social issues that have bearing I'll cover this second - 2.
ethical implications
how the poster affects us emotionally, or what mood it evokes
the poster's implicit argument and its effectiveness said that was important in class, so I'll discuss this last - 4.
how the song addresses its audience
lyrics: how they rhyme, repeat, what they say
use of music, tempo, different instruments
possible cultural ramifications or social issues that have bearing
emotional effects
the implicit argument and its effectiveness

These thinking points are not a step-by-step guideline on how to write your paper; instead, they are various means through which you can approach the subject. I do expect to see at least a few of them addressed, and there are other aspects that may be pertinent to your choice that have not been included in these lists. You will want to find a central idea and base your argument around that. Additionally, you must include a copy of the poster or song that you are working with. Really important!

I will be your audience. This is a formal paper, and you should use academic conventions throughout.

Length: 4 pages Format: Typed, double-spaced, 10-12 point Times New Roman, 1 inch margins I need to remember the format stuff. I messed this up last time =(

Academic Argument Essay

5-7 pages, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 1 inch margins.

Minimum of five cited sources: 3 must be from academic journals or books

Design Plan due: Thurs. 10/19
Rough Draft due: Monday 10/30
Final Draft due: Thurs. 11/9

Remember this! I missed the deadline last time

The design plan is simply a statement of purpose, as described on pages 40-41 of the book, and an outline. The outline may be formal, as we discussed in class, or a printout of an Open Mind project. It must be a minimum of 1 page typed information, plus 1 page outline.

This project is an expansion of your opinion editorial. While you should avoid repeating any of your exact phrases from Project 2, you may reuse some of the same ideas. Your topic should be similar. You must use research to support your position, and you must also demonstrate a fairly thorough knowledge of any opposing position(s). 2 things to do - my position and the opposite.

Your essay should begin with an introduction that encapsulates your topic and indicates 1 the general trajectory of your argument. You need to have a discernable thesis that appears early in your paper. Your conclusion should restate the thesis in different words, 2 and then draw some additional meaningful analysis out of the developments of your argument. Think of this as a "so what" factor. What are some implications for the future, relating to your topic? What does all this (what you have argued) mean for society, or for the section of it to which your argument pertains? A good conclusion moves outside the topic in the paper and deals with a larger issue.

You should spend at least one paragraph acknowledging and describing the opposing position in a manner that is respectful and honestly representative of the opposition’s 3 views. The counterargument does not need to occur in a certain area, but generally begins or ends your argument. Asserting and attempting to prove each aspect of your argument’s structure should comprise the majority of your paper. Ask yourself what your argument assumes and what must be proven in order to validate your claims. Then go step-by-step, paragraph-by-paragraph, addressing each facet of your position. Most important part!

Finally, pay attention to readability . Just because this is a research paper does not mean that it has to be boring. Use examples and allow your opinion to show through word choice and tone. Proofread before you turn in the paper. Your audience is generally the academic community and specifically me, as a representative of that community. Ok, They want this to be easy to read, to contain examples I find, and they want it to be grammatically correct. I can visit the tutoring center if I get stuck, or I can email the OWL Email Tutors short questions if I have any more problems.

Home » Assignment – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Assignment – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Assignments are an essential part of academic learning, designed to help students develop skills, reinforce knowledge, and demonstrate their understanding of course material. They come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose in enhancing critical thinking, research abilities, and problem-solving skills. This guide explores the different types of assignments, provides examples, and offers a step-by-step writing guide to help you complete your assignments effectively.

What is an Assignment?

An assignment is a task given to students as part of their coursework to assess and develop their understanding of a particular topic or skill. Assignments can range from simple essays to complex research papers, and their objectives vary depending on the academic level, course, and subject.

Types of Assignments

Example : Write an argumentative essay on the impact of social media on mental health.
Example : Conduct a study on the effects of climate change on biodiversity and present your findings in a research paper.
Example : Analyze a company facing a decline in market share and suggest strategies to regain its competitive advantage.
Example : Write a lab report on an experiment testing the pH levels of different soil samples.
Example : Reflect on your experience in a group project, discussing what you learned and the challenges you faced.
Example : Create an annotated bibliography on recent studies about renewable energy technologies.
Example : Prepare a presentation on the history and future of artificial intelligence.
Example : Solve a set of calculus problems related to limits and derivatives.

Writing Guide for an Assignment

Completing an assignment effectively requires careful planning, research, and clear writing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

Read the Instructions Carefully : Review the guidelines, including formatting, word count, and citation style. Ensure you understand the objective and expectations.
Identify the Purpose : Determine whether the assignment requires you to argue, analyze, describe, or reflect.
Clarify the Question : Make sure you understand the question or prompt. If unclear, ask your instructor for clarification.

Step 2: Conduct Research and Gather Information

Search for Reliable Sources : Use academic databases, books, and credible websites to gather information. Take notes and organize your sources.
Evaluate Sources : Ensure the sources you use are credible, recent, and relevant to the assignment topic.
Create an Outline : Plan the structure of your assignment. An outline will help you organize your thoughts and stay on track.

Step 3: Write a Strong Introduction

Introduce the Topic : Provide background information to set the context.
State the Purpose : Clearly state the purpose of the assignment or your main argument.
Present the Thesis Statement : In assignments like essays or research papers, include a thesis statement that summarizes your main point.

Step 4: Develop the Main Body

Follow the Outline : Organize the main points logically, with each paragraph focusing on one idea.
Use Evidence : Support your arguments or analysis with data, examples, or quotes from reliable sources.
Analyze and Interpret : Go beyond description—explain the significance of your points and how they contribute to the overall argument or purpose.

Step 5: Write a Conclusion

Summarize Key Points : Recap the main ideas discussed in the assignment.
Restate the Thesis : Reiterate the main argument or purpose of the assignment.
End with a Thought-Provoking Statement : Leave the reader with a final thought or recommendation, if applicable.

Step 6: Edit and Proofread

Check for Clarity and Coherence : Ensure each paragraph flows logically and supports the main argument.
Correct Grammar and Spelling Errors : Proofread for typos, grammatical mistakes, and punctuation errors.
Verify Formatting : Confirm that the assignment meets formatting guidelines and that citations follow the required style (e.g., APA, MLA).

Step 7: Cite Sources and Create a Bibliography

Use In-Text Citations : Properly cite all sources used within the text.
Compile a Bibliography or Reference List : List all sources used in the assignment in the specified format (e.g., APA, MLA).
Check for Plagiarism : Ensure that all borrowed information is correctly cited to avoid unintentional plagiarism.

Examples of Assignments by Academic Discipline

1. English Literature

Assignment : Analyze the use of symbolism in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Objective : Interpret literary symbols and their impact on the story’s themes.

2. Psychology

Assignment : Write a case study on a client presenting symptoms of anxiety disorder.
Objective : Apply theoretical knowledge to assess symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

3. Business

Assignment : Develop a marketing plan for a new product in the technology industry.
Objective : Demonstrate understanding of market research, strategy, and consumer behavior.
Assignment : Conduct a lab experiment on photosynthesis and report your findings.
Objective : Document experimental procedures, observations, and conclusions.
Assignment : Discuss the causes and consequences of World War II.
Objective : Analyze historical events and their impacts on global relations.

Tips for Successfully Completing Assignments

Start Early : Begin working on your assignment well before the deadline to allow time for thorough research and revision.
Follow the Rubric : Review any grading rubrics provided to understand how your work will be evaluated.
Stay Organized : Keep your notes, sources, and drafts well-organized, making it easier to reference and edit your work.
Use Clear and Concise Language : Avoid jargon and complex language unless necessary; aim for clarity and precision.
Seek Feedback : If possible, get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your work before submission.

Assignments are valuable learning tools that enable students to apply, analyze, and communicate knowledge. Whether writing an essay, conducting research, or presenting findings, understanding the type of assignment, following a structured writing guide, and implementing effective research and writing techniques can help ensure academic success. By approaching assignments systematically, students can improve their critical thinking, writing skills, and overall academic performance.

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Murray, R. (2011). How to Write a Thesis . McGraw-Hill Education.
Cottrell, S. (2019). The Study Skills Handbook (5th ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing.
Bailey, S. (2017). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students . Routledge.
Northedge, A. (2005). The Good Study Guide . Open University Press.