Objectives

• Describe the purpose of writing assignments and what an instructor might expect to see from your writing
• Identify common types of writing tasks in a college class

Directions

1. Review the syllabi for courses you’re taking this term. Make note of the writing-based assignments you’ll be asked to complete for each course you’re taking. For each one, identify the following:
   • what kind of writing task it is (essay, journal, memo, annotated bibliography, online discussion, scientific report, etc.)
   • how much of your course grade it represents
   • how much time you estimate it will take you to complete
   • what the purpose of the assignment seems to be – why it is a graded requirement of the class
2. Compare the list you’ve generated with a small group of your classmates. How do their lists of writing assignments compare to your own? What are some common factors across writing assignments? What are some notable differences?