Turn your assignment brief into a working checklist. The aim is to identify what you need to show, where you will show it and what evidence you still need. Keep the original brief beside this worksheet so that your interpretation does not quietly replace the actual instructions.
Separate the task from the submission rules
The UNC Writing Center recommends paying attention to the task verbs, audience, evidence and format requirements. Begin by marking the required output, such as an essay, report or presentation. Then identify what you are being asked to do with the topic.
Record word count, deadline, file format and referencing requirements separately. A well-formatted document can still miss the question; a strong answer can still overlook a required component.
- Copy each assessed criterion accurately.
- Identify the task verb: explain, compare, analyse, evaluate or another instruction.
- Note the required topic, scope and evidence.
- List any uncertainty to ask the tutor about before drafting.
Translate a criterion into visible work
Hypothetical criterion: evaluate two approaches to team communication. A useful plan would compare both approaches against stated criteria, examine supporting evidence, discuss limitations and justify a conclusion. Two separate descriptions would not, by themselves, explain which approach fits the situation.
For each criterion, name a planned section and the evidence it will contain. If one section serves several criteria, note that relationship rather than repeating the same argument in several places. Do not assign your own mark weights when the rubric does not provide them.
Audit the draft with page or paragraph references
After drafting, replace planned section names with actual locations. If you cannot point to a passage that meets a requirement, it needs attention. This check helps you find omissions; it does not predict the mark an assessor will award.
- Every mandatory criterion has a location in the draft.
- Claims have relevant evidence and an explanation of what it supports.
- The conclusion answers the task rather than introducing a different question.
- Submission requirements have been checked separately.
Your working copy
Copy the prompts below into your own document, or download the editable text file.
Assignment and deadline: Required output and word limit: Criterion copied from the brief: Task verb: What I need to demonstrate: Evidence needed: Planned section: Actual location in the draft: What is still missing: Repeat the criterion block for each requirement. Questions for the tutor: Final submission checks:Download editable text
Sources and further guidance
- UNC Writing Center: understanding assignments
Guidance on interpreting task verbs, evidence, audience and assignment instructions.