Questions to Ask about a Writing Assignment
Lutz, A Guide to Writing in the Liberal Arts

• How does it fit my objectives at this point in the course?
• Does the assignment assess what students can do or what they know?
• Does the task have meaning outside as well as inside the class setting?

• Have I given enough information about what I want so students can make effective choices about subject, purpose, form, mode, and tone?
• Have I given enough information about required length and about the use of sources?
• Have I prepared and distributed a written assignment with clear directions?

• Who is the audience?
• If me, is the "me" defined?
• Are there ways to expand the audience beyond the teacher?
• Do the students have enough information to assume a role with respect to the audience?

• How does the assignment relate to what comes before and after it in the course?
  
• Is the assignment sequenced to give enough time for prewriting, writing, and revision? 
• What deadlines and penalties do I want to set for collecting papers at various stages of the project?

• How will I evaluate the work? 
• What constitutes a "successful" response to the assignment?
  
• Does the grading support or deny revision?
  
• How can the assignment be clarified or otherwise improved?