A guide line for assignment is a set of instructions or criteria that your instructor gives you for

completing a specific writing task. These guidelines feature information about what the
instructor expects and how the assignment will be graded. Guidelines may also include step-by-
step instructions on how to complete the assignment, as well as information about formatting,
style, and citations 1.
Some general tips for following a guide line for assignment are:

 Read the guide line carefully as soon as you receive it. Do not put this task off—reading the guide
line at the beginning will save you time, stress, and problems later 2.
 Identify the purpose, audience, and situation of the writing task. What are you supposed to do,
why, and for whom? 3
 Pay attention to the key words or phrases that describe the task, such as analyze, compare, argue,
summarize, etc. These words direct you to think about your topic in a certain way 2.
 Ask your instructor about anything you do not understand. Do not hesitate to approach your
instructor if you have any questions or doubts about the guide line 2.
 Break down the task into manageable steps. Plan your time, research, outline, draft, and revise
your paper accordingly 4.
 Follow the formatting and citation style that your instructor specifies. If no style is specified, use
a common one, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago 3.
 Include grading criteria on the guide line sheet. This will help you understand how your instructor
will evaluate your paper and what aspects are most important 4.
 Proofread and edit your paper before submitting it. Check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
clarity errors. You can also ask a peer, a tutor, or your instructor for feedback 3.