An assignment brief explains what you need to do, not just the topic you’re writing about.

Read your brief carefully before you begin finding sources or writing plans. Your response must address the task directly, not cover everything related to the topic.

If in doubt, ask your tutor or module leader before you begin.

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Essential guidance

 

Analysing the brief

Divide the brief into three parts:

  • Task words – tell you how to approach the question
  • Content words – tell you what the assignment is about
  • Limiting words – set the boundaries of the task (for example, a time period, place, or case)

 

 

Creating planning questions

Planning questions guide your reading and keep your work focused on the task. Use the three parts of the brief to build them.

These questions are for your own planning – they don't replace the brief. Return to the exact wording of the brief throughout to make sure your work stays on task. Rewording the assignment question, even slightly, can take your response in the wrong direction.

 

Example

Assignment question: 'Compare the leadership styles of two organisations and explain how each affects employee performance'.

Part Word from the brief Planning questions
Task words 'Compare', 'explain'
  • What does it mean to compare leadership styles?
  • What do I need to show to explain their effect?
Content words 'Leadership styles', 'employee performance'
  • Which organisations will I use?
  • What do I already know about leadership styles and performance?
Limiting words 'Two organisations'
  • Which two organisations will I choose?
  • Why are they a good choice for this comparison?

 

 

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoiding these mistakes helps you gain marks:

  • ignoring a task word
  • answering only part of the question
  • going beyond the limits of the brief
  • rewording the brief
  • assuming the meaning of task words without checking

 

 

Task words

These are the words or phrases in an assignment brief that tell you what to do. They will also appear in the marking criteria.

Task words don't have fixed meanings. Lecturers may use them differently depending on the subject or task, so always check your assignment brief and any guidance provided.

  • Account for

    Explain why something is the way it is, with a focus on reasons. Similar to 'explain' but with more emphasis on cause.

  • Analyse

    Select the key features of an idea, issue, or object. Examine how they relate to each other and to other ideas. Examine the topic from different perspectives and support each with evidence. See also: 'critically analyse'.

  • Assess

    Measure one or more aspects of something – for example, its effectiveness, significance, or accuracy. Show your findings in detail. Meanings vary widely across subjects. See also: 'critically assess'.

  • Compare

    Show how two or more things are similar.

  • Compare and contrast

    Show both the similarities and differences between two or more things.

  • Contrast

    Show how two or more things are different.

  • Critically analyse / Critically assess / Critically evaluate

    These are more demanding versions of 'analyse', 'assess', and 'evaluate'. These terms are often used interchangeably. They all require you to examine ideas or evidence from different perspectives, weigh their strengths and limitations, and reach a supported conclusion. Check your assignment brief for specific guidance.

  • Define

    Give a precise explanation of the meaning of a term, theory, or position.

  • Describe

    Say what something is like. Outline its relevant qualities, features, or aspects. The level of detail required will depend on the task.

  • Discuss

    Consider evidence for and against different views or ideas. Includes making judgements about which views seem stronger.

  • Evaluate

    Focuses on overall judgement – for example, the extent to which something is effective, useful, or true. Your judgement is expected and should be supported by evidence. See also: 'critically evaluate'.

  • Examine

    Look closely at something. Write about the details and question them where appropriate.

  • Explain

    Give enough information to make something clear and easy to understand.

  • Explore

    Consider an idea or topic broadly, looking for relevant connections, issues, or points of disagreement.

  • Identify

    Recognise and show one or more key examples of evidence, ideas, problems, facts, or theories relevant to the task.

  • Illustrate

    Give selected examples to help describe or explain something. May include diagrams or other visual aids.

  • Justify

    Explain the reasons for a choice or position. Acknowledge alternative views and explain why your position is stronger.

  • Outline

    Provide the main points or ideas, normally without going into detail.

  • State

    Express something briefly and clearly.

  • Summarise

    State the most important parts of something concisely. Similar to 'outline' but with more emphasis on brevity and precision.

 

 

Page last edited: 25 August 2026
Next review due: 23 July 2029