How to Design Effective Writing Assignments Handout
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Tell students the assignment purpose.
For example, do you want students to use their writing to argue, inform, and/or entertain? -
Indicate the audience.
Who will read the assignment? Even if only the professor will read it, give students a sense of how you'll read. Will you read as a history scholar? An investor? A journal editor? -
Share the conventions.
(such as the citation style, tone, and secondary source requirement) -
Anticipate trouble areas.
What have students struggled with in the past? What resources can you remind students about (Writing Studio, library resources, your office hours, etc.)?
Make sure your assignment sheets address each part of PACT (Purpose, Audience, Conventions, and Trouble). For more teaching tips, visit speakwrite.wvu.edu