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Claremont Lincoln University
LibGuides

Writing Center

Assignment Comprehension

Assignment Descriptions
Understanding Assignments  (Lesson Breakdown)
  • Assignments Tasks - describe what to do when you complete an assignment.
  • Style Tips - describe general expectations to which the assignment should adhere
  • Technical Details - provide specifications or formatting rules for your assignment
  • Additional Considerations - include research suggestions or tools to help in the completion of the assignment
Bloom's Taxonomy 
Understanding any assignment begins with a little bit of planning and a deeper look at purpose. Start by asking who you are speaking to and thinking about what writing style is appropriate. A personal reflection will call for a different style than a comparative essay. Additionally, you should explore the evidence necessary and the rules for the assignment. Finally, consider the purpose of the assignment: what is the assignment asking you to do, and why is it asking you to do it? Generally, assignments will ask you to demonstrate an understanding of specific course material through specific actions, i.e., Describe the origins of mindfulness as practice.
Answer these three questions before you begin:
1. What is the main objective of this assignment? Identify keywords that achieve this objective
2. What are the skills and knowledge one might need to possess to successfully write this assignment?
3. How would you structure this paper?
Rubrics
Rubrics are scoring guides that provide clarity for students and instructors alike. They outline a set of scoring criteria instructors can follow to evaluate a student’s assignment and learning outcomes objectively. You can use rubrics to assess your work before submitting an assignment, and it can be helpful to think of each criterion as one item on a larger assignment checklist.
Example Chocolate Chip Cookie Rubric
Criteria
Description
Points Possible
Texture
The cookie is crispy on the outside, is chewy on the inside, and includes moistness but is not greasy. 
25
Appearance
The cookie is whole, golden brown, 4" in diameter, with at least 4 visible chips. It is thicker in the center and thinner on the edges, uniquely shaped, and presented on an aesthetically pleasing plate or napkin.
25
Taste
The cookie is oven-fresh with a sweet, rich, buttery flavor. A
real chocolate taste in each bite complements the rich, flavored dough.
25
Contents
The cookie has a 50:50 dough-to-chip ratio. The chocolate chips are large chocolate chips. The chocolate chips are the
highest quality.
25
Smell
The cookie has a rich, buttery, and chocolaty smell from 6' away. The smell makes your mouth water and wants a cookie.
25
Total
100