Read the assignment
Many university essays and research papers begin with an assignment, to help you think about the most important questions raised in class. This doesn't mean that you are to regurgitate the material you've learnt or read, but to show your own independent thinking. For instance you might receive the following assignment in a class on modern Indian history:
- Analyse the role of women in the Chipko Movement
This doesn't mean you should write down everything you know about women's participation in the Chipko Movement. Instead, you should use this question as a guide to frame a thoughtful essay which looks at the role of women and draws out some of its implications.
The word 'analyse' is your key to what is expected from your assignment. Here are some of the words that often show up in essay and paper assignments.
- Discuss
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Synthesise
- Show
Useful Links
- The Harvard Writing Centre's guide to reading class assignments