Skip to Main Content
LibGuides logo

CU Scarborough - Academic Skills: Understanding the Brief

Search Locate Main LibGuide Subject Resources Guide to Referencing Flying Start BibliU Reading Lists Online Workshops Arrange 1-1 support Document Supply Suggest a Book Locate Helpguides

How to Analyse the Assignment Brief

How to Analyse the Assignment Brief

The assignment brief makes it easier to respond to the assignment question. Pay attention to the marking criteria and the learning outcomes. These will inform you of exactly what is expected of you to complete the assignment.

Assignment Terminology

Blooms Taxonomy - Graphic explains the definitions of create, evaluate, analyse, apply, understand and remember.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Understanding your assignment question

When you get your assignment question, decide:

  • What the question means
  • What it is asking you to do.
  • Read the question several times and consider any implicit assumptions behind the question.
  • Define the keywords (use a dictionary if necessary) and look for any words that focus or restrict the area you need to examine in your answer.

Keywords in the title

Underline the keywords or phrases in your question.

Use the context around each keyword to help you understand what is required, for example, ‘discuss briefly’ as compared to ‘discuss in the context of…’. 

Instructional Verbs

Instructional Verbs

Further reading