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OASIS Writing Skills

Common Assignments:
Read the Prompt Carefully

This guide includes tips on writing common course assignments.

Read the Prompt Carefully

Look for the assignment's purpose, mode of reflection, particulars, and formatting requirements:

  1. Purpose: What questions, life experiences, events, or course readings are you being asked to reflect on?
  2. Mode of Reflection: Make sure you know what mode of reflection the writing prompt is asking you use. Are you being asked to compare/contrast, describe, highlight thoughts/feelings, issue opinions (agreement/disagreement), draw conclusions, or ask questions?
  3. Particulars: What is the word limit? When is the due date and time? What sources are you expected to draw on?
  4. Formatting: What formatting has your instructor requested? If no specific formatting is indicated, follow general APA guidelines.

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