How to Write an Essay: Analyze the Assignment

Make sure you understand your options:

• Should your topic be related to course material (text, lectures, etc.)?
• Should it deal with a current issue or problem?
• Should it be controversial?
• Are there any topics the instructor will not accept?

Read all prompts/questions carefully

• Make sure you understand exactly what should be covered:
  • If all questions/prompts must be addressed, you should seeing wording like “make sure you cover” or “use the following headings”
  • If the questions/prompts are merely suggestions to help you focus your work, you should see wording like “some points to consider“ or "your headings may include"

Look for key words indicating the purpose:

• An informational paper will focus on the facts about a subject:
  • Look for words like define, describe, explain, illustrate, summarize
• An analytical paper will examine connections/relationships:
  • Look for words like compare, contrast, apply, causes, effects
• An interpretive assignment will ask you to present and defend your own view:
  • Look for words like assess, evaluate, critique, respond, persuade, argue, prove/disprove, justify, support, analyze, synthesize

Note: Some assignments will ask you to combine these strategies.

Check the basic requirements for the paper:

• Is research required? If so:
  • How many sources do you need to use? Look for words like "at least," "a minimum of" "up to"
  • Should the sources be peer reviewed?
  • What types of sources are not acceptable?
• If the assignment calls for peer-reviewed or scholarly sources, conduct your research via Ludden Library databases or Google Scholar
• What format (MLA, APA, CMS, AMA) should you use?
• Is there a length requirement?
  • Check for both a minimum and a maximum acceptable length
  • Look for words like "at least," "a minimum of" "up to"