What are the verbs in the prompt?
Verbs, or action words, tell you what your instructor expects you to do in the assignment.
- analyze: examine closely the parts of something; examine methodically for a purpose
- summarize: give a synopsis or review of main points
- synthesize: combine separate ideas, points, or concepts into a new whole
- compare/contrast: identify similarities and differences without emphasizing one more than the other
- evaluate: using criteria (either created by you or from another source) form and articulate a judgment or assessment
- prove: demonstrate/articulate/lay out the existence or truth of something through the use of evidence, examples, and argument
- critique: analyze and evaluate strengths, weaknesses, or effectiveness
What kind of research is expected?
Some assignments ask you to research a topic or conduct original research. Knowing what kind of research is expected will help you plan your project and understand what kind of paper you are writing.
Primary research is research you conduct yourself. Depending on the field, this might include an experiment, interview, survey, or rhetorical analysis. Understanding what information or data you need will help you choose the right method.
Secondary research uses research others have already published to help you learn about a topic or issue. Literature reviews and annotated bibliographies often rely on secondary research.
A note about peer reviewed sources
For secondary research, check what kinds of sources your instructor requires. Peer-reviewed sources are usually articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Not every expert or academic source is peer reviewed, so read the assignment carefully and ask your instructor or a librarian if you are unsure.
What is included in the rubric?
- Mark each requirement, question, or task in the assignment prompt and rubric. Try color coding, underlining, or numbering each item.
- Create a checklist of the requirements. Use it while planning, drafting, and revising.
- What is your timeline?
- Break the project into phases, such as researching, outlining, drafting, and revising. Then list the specific tasks for each phase and give each task a deadline.
- Before setting a deadline for a task, ask what needs to happen first. For example, if you want to outline on Friday, what needs to be done by Thursday?
- Work backward from the due date instead of forward from today. This helps you avoid saving too much work for the end.
- Put your task deadlines in your calendar so you have a clear plan for finishing the project.
Example Timeline
Here’s an example of how you can build a timeline for your assignment.
For example, if a final draft is due Friday the 31st, you might work backward like this:
(This is just an example. Your timeline may look very different depending on your writing process.)
| Task | How long do I need? | When do I need to have this done? |
|---|---|---|
| Revise my draft. | 1 day | Thursday night (ex: on the 30th) |
| Meet with writing consultant at the writing center. | Try to make an appointment at least 48 hours before it’s due. | Tuesday (ex: on the 28th) |
| Pull it all together into a draft. | A couple of hours | Monday (ex: on the 27th) |
| Write 1 page per day. | 5 days (for 5 pages) | Wednesday – Sunday (ex: on the 22nd-26th) |
| Outline my paper. | 1-2 hours | Tuesday (ex: on the 21st) |
| Review my notes and make a plan. | 1 hour | Monday or Tuesday (ex: on the 20th or 21st) |
| Read my sources and take notes-2 per day. | 2.5 days (for five sources) | Saturday-Monday (ex: on the 18th-20th) |
| Use the library’s database to find sources, download, and organize them. | 1 day (but it’s best to start early in case you need to consult a librarian for help!) | Friday (ex: on the 17th) |
| Develop research questions to help me find sources. | 1-2 hours | Thursday (ex: on the 16th) |
| Meet with instructor to discuss ideas and revise if I need to. | 1 hour | Thursday (ex: on the 16th) |
| Pick a topic and write a working thesis. | 1 hour | Wednesday (ex: on the 15th) |
| Check my ideas against the assignment criteria or meet with instructor. | 1 hour | Tuesday (ex: on the 14th) |
| Brainstorm ideas. | 1 day | Monday (ex: on the 13th) |
Things to keep in mind
- What previous or upcoming assignments or activities might contribute to the final essay?
- Look for earlier assignments or class activities that connect to the final paper. Instructors often use these steps, or scaffolding, to help you build the skills you will need. If a skill is covered later in the course, plan other tasks first, such as brainstorming or choosing a topic.
- What are the additional formatting requirements?
- Do not leave formatting until the end. Check the assignment instructions or your checklist for formatting, citation style, and works cited requirements.