How to Read an Assignment

November 28, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources 

There are ways to approach assignments to ensure you don't miss important details. This article explains how to read college assignments, looking for key words, deadlines and resources that may help.

Read the Assignment Carefully

Look at the entire prompt, reading for key words, such as summarize, compare and analyze. Think about what your instructor is asking you to do. If you’re not sure, ask your instructor right away and be sure you understand what they want.

Read for details, including length or word count, writing styles (MLA or APA), research (scholarly or not), as well as other direction related to the class, such as referencing textbook topics or vocabulary. What’s the format, such as essay, speech or PowerPoint, report, or a combination?

Pay attention to deadlines because there may be multiple. Instructors often break larger projects and papers into smaller assignments to help you with critical thinking and development. This also often prevents procrastination and helps students stay on task.

Identify Other Assignment Details

Who is your audience? Is it your peers?

Read the background materials, chapters, articles and any other assigned reading before diving into the project or essay. If you do not, you are sure to miss key details and ideas.

If you need to do research, do you know how many sources you need? Turn to the STLCC Libraries databases and staff for help. 

Do you know how to read and annotate your sources, develop your ideas or cite your sources? If not, Academic Success & Tutoring can help. 

Use a grading rubric like a checklist to make sure you’ve done everything listed and know how much each step is worth. No grading rubric? Look for direction outlined in your syllabus or Canvas shell.