assignment into a sentence

How to Use assignment in a Sentence

• The reporter is here on assignment .
• The reporter is here on an assignment .
• She asked if she could change her seating assignment .
• The students were given a homework assignment .
• The reporter's assignment is to interview the candidate.
• The article discusses the recent assignment of senators to some of the more powerful committees.

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assignment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Sentences with Assignment: 53 Examples for Better English

Here we will practice 53 sentences with assignment so that you can see just how it is used in natural, smooth English! To improve your English, I would recommend reading and repeating all of these sentences enough times so that you can say them comfortably.

Sentences with assignment

Here are the first 10 sentences with assignment . Read and repeat them all. If any of the sentences are tricky to pronounce, say them slowly a few times so that you can build up confidence with them.

• The assignment was due at the end of the week.
• Lucy worked diligently on her assignment.
• Their assignment was to be completed in a team.
• The teacher gave a challenging assignment.
• His first assignment was to write an essay.
• Each assignment helps develop new skills.
• The assignment requirements were clearly outlined.
• Their group project assignment was innovative.
• She asked for help with her math assignment.
• The assignment deadline was moved up.

Related: Asset In A Sentence: 41 Examples For Successful English

What does assignment mean?

Assignment means a task or piece of work given to students or workers. It can be anything from a school homework task to a work-related job. It is an English noun. The verb form is assign . We use that like this:

• I will assign you a new task tomorrow.

Common Situations for Using the word Assignment

• School: Homework or projects given to students.
• Work: Tasks or projects given to employees.
• Tasks: Any specific duties assigned for completion.

Synonyms for Assignment and Example Sentences

Here are 3 common synonyms for assignment. It’s always good to learn different ways to say something, or at least words that are related in meaning!

• Meaning: A piece of work to be done.
• Example sentence: The managers assigned a new task to the team.
• Meaning: A moral or legal obligation; a responsibility.
• Example sentence: It was her duty to complete the task on time.
• Meaning: A paid position of regular employment.
• Example sentence: He has a job as a truck driver.

Related: Sentences With Aspect: 53 Examples For English Practice

Sentences with assignment: part 2

Here is the second set of examples for sentences with assignment. Keep reading and repeating them to better remember the words and sentence patterns.

• In sports, training is a regular assignment.
• The artist’s newest assignment was a large mural.
• There was a significant challenge in his assignment – the deadline was pushed forward.
• Changing the routine can sometimes improve assignment quality.
• The assignment was completed ahead of schedule.
• He recorded the assignment details in his notebook.
• The weather could delay the outdoor assignment.
• They celebrated finishing the big assignment.
• His approach to the assignment was unconventional.
• The final project assignment was to create a portfolio.

Assignment in a sentence

Here is the next set of sentences with assignment:

• Completing the assignment gave them confidence.
• He worked on his assignment every evening.
• A head start on the assignment prevents last-minute stress.
• The assignment requirements were confusing at first.
• The plot twist was an exciting assignment for the writer.
• A surprise assignment can be tough to handle.
• The story starts with the protagonist’s assignment.
• She reviewed the guidelines for her assignment.
• Project assignment details are posted online.
• Completing the assignment brought group unity.
• Starting a new assignment is an opportunity to grow.
• They watched a video related to their assignment.
• An assignment can open doors to new experiences.
• His journalistic assignment took him abroad.
• Maria finished her assignment.
• Their assignment went as expected.
• He planned the assignment timetable efficiently.
• Departure from routine can make an assignment interesting.
• They discussed the assignment in detail.
• The instructor prepared them for the difficult assignment.

Questions with assignment

Here are some questions that use the word assignment. Use them to practice English conversation with. Try to answer them in full sentences! Use your imagination to answer them if you need to.

• What is your current assignment?
• How long do you need to complete this assignment?
• What was the most challenging assignment you ever had?
• Can you think of a time when an assignment changed your perspective?
• What is the most memorable assignment you’ve completed?
• How does working on an assignment help you learn?
• Describe a situation where a group assignment was beneficial.
• Do you enjoy starting a new assignment? Why or why not?
• How do you plan your time when given a big assignment?
• What assignment are you looking forward to next?

A paragraph about assignments

Below you will find a paragraph about an experience regarding the word “assignment.” You can use this paragraph as a model if you have any writing assignments of your own.

Assignments can be both demanding and rewarding. I remember when I got my first major assignment in high school. It was an essay on the impacts of climate change. I felt overwhelmed at first. The topic was broad, and I didn’t know where to start. After doing some research, I divided the assignment into smaller tasks. Each day, I focused on a different section. Slowly but surely, the essay took shape. I felt a mix of stress and excitement while working on it. My friends and I sometimes discussed our assignments and shared tips. By the time I finished, I had learned so much about the topic and about writing. Turning in the completed assignment gave me a sense of achievement. It taught me that breaking down a task can make it more manageable. In the end, the assignment helped me grow academically and personally.

Sentences with assignment: a useful word to know!

I hope you have enjoyed reading and repeating all of these examples for sentences with assignment ! Here are a final 3 sentences using assignment, gradually getting trickier:

• What is the next assignment?
• When is the assignment due?
• This assignment requires careful attention to detail.

Write in English at your best

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Assignment in a Sentence  🔊

Definition of Assignment

a particular task or duty that one is expected to complete

Examples of Assignment in a sentence

On assignment for the Washington Post, the reporter combed the city in search of information.  🔊

The student’s math assignment was too difficult, so he asked his teacher for help completing it.  🔊

Each worker in the building is giving a different assignment that he or she is expected to complete by the end of the work day.  🔊

Although Laura didn’t enjoy her latest post assignment, she didn’t regret her decision to join the military.  🔊

The state attorney was recently given the assignment of prosecuting a West Virginian serial killer.  🔊

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Examples of assign

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a toy made from cloth and filled with a soft material so that it is pleasant to hold, often in the form of an animal

Like a bull in a china shop: talking about people who are clumsy

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ASSIGNMENT in a Sentence Examples: 21 Ways to Use Assignment

Are you struggling to understand the concept of an assignment? An assignment is a task or piece of work that has been assigned to someone as part of their job or studies. It requires them to complete a specific set of actions or deliverables within a defined timeframe.

Table of Contents

7 Examples Of Assignment Used In a Sentence For Kids

14 sentences with assignment examples, how to use assignment in sentences.

Assignment is a task or piece of work that someone is given to do. It can also refer to the allocation of a particular task or job to someone. To use the word assignment in a sentence, simply place it in the context of giving or receiving a task. For example, “The teacher handed out the math assignment to the students” or “I have a new assignment at work that I need to complete by Friday.”

When using assignment in a sentence, it is important to ensure that it fits naturally within the sentence structure. Make sure the context in which you use the word is appropriate and clear for the reader to understand.

You can also use assignment in a broader sense, such as “The assignment of duties within the team was well-organized.” In this case, assignment refers to the distribution of tasks among team members.

Remember that assignment can be used in various contexts, not just limited to academic settings. It can be applied to work projects, volunteer tasks, or even household chores. By understanding the versatility of the word assignment , you can effectively communicate tasks and responsibilities in different situations.

In conclusion, the examples of sentences with the keyword “assignment” demonstrate its role in conveying the idea of a task or duty that needs to be completed. Whether referring to a school assignment, work task, or project, the keyword is versatile in indicating a specific job that requires attention and effort. These sentences show how assignments can vary in complexity and nature, from academic exercises to professional responsibilities.

By examining the usage of the keyword “assignment” in different contexts, it is clear that assignments play a crucial role in education, work, and daily life. They serve as a way to allocate tasks, assess knowledge or skills, and facilitate learning and growth. Understanding the significance of assignments can help individuals prioritize and manage their responsibilities effectively, leading to successful completion of tasks and achievements of goals.

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Use "assignment" in a sentence

Assignment example sentences.

1. Now, moving on, your assignment will be to infiltrate the structure

2. He had had the opportunity to have several made recently on assignment in Hong Kong

3. "Thanks for the update, I thank you for the lovely assignment

4. For today’s assignment have a look at the table below

5. "And you didn't mind this assignment ?"

6. "What makes you think it isn't Luray who's off on assignment ?" Their legs had wrapped around each other's by now

7. She was able to find her administrative records, of which her locker assignment was a part, but the laughter in her eyes spilled over into her voice when she saw the dates involved

8. talked about his assignment to the Guides

9. He had finished his assignment twice as fast as the others

10. I actually like the guy, not a lot, but enough that this assignment has been fairly pleasant

11. Harry plowed through the Summer Term receiving marks of Distinction for his every assignment , and the preliminary term of his Sixth Form years was passed

12. “That’s the script for the fourth assignment in Kaha’s movie club

13. on the assignment that he scheduled

14. He is here in Hong Kong for his Far East assignment

15. anymore without an assignment in front of him

16. But he already the next assignment didn’t he? One that he was not

17. His first assignment was to investigate Lao Airlines Flight 301, an ATR-72, that crashed shortly before landing at Pakse International Airport in Loas under adverse weather conditions, killing all 44 passengers and 5 crew on board

18. assignment such as this didn’t bother him

19. I have an assignment for you in Beijing to report on the war against pollution conference and then continue on to Kyiv to cover the invasion of Crimea

20. "That was my assignment

21. “Well, if you’re so sure, then take a look,” Dobber replied, disinterested with Pete’s fears and anything else that remotely related to his assignment

22. Klowa knew someone else would do a background assignment on Luray

23. "The assignment you gave us sir, to get him up and out of there before his memories could be read

24. "This is big time quarters up here," Kuthra told them once the assignment was made and they were on their way to it, "This is where they put visiting professors and research planners, or managers of large factories that the Kassikan owns, once in awhile a media person

25. Just like in this life, the best students will have a better chance of getting the best jobs in their next assignment

26. On the contrary, the whole expense of this borrowing, of employing agents to look out for people who had money to lend, of negotiating with those people, and of drawing the proper bond or assignment , must have fallen upon them, and have been so much clear loss upon the balance of their accounts

27. “Her parents were an assignment ? You mean the Hellhounds went on a wild hunt to catch them? I thought the coven killed them

28. When one of the sisters was given an assignment it was serious business, but the sisters only went on a wild hunt for the worst cases

29. Even in the monied interest, however, the money is, as it were, but the deed of assignment , which conveys from one hand to another those capitals which the owners do not care to employ themselves

30. A capital lent at interest may, in this manner, be considered as an assignment , from the lender to the borrower, of a certain considerable portion of the annual produce, upon condition that the burrower in return shall, during the continuance of the loan, annually assign to the lender a small portion, called the interest ; and, at the end of it, a portion equally considerable with that which had originally been assigned to him, called the repayment

31. Though money, either coin or paper, serves generally as the deed of assignment , both to the smaller and to the more considerable portion, it is itself altogether different from what is assigned by it

32. The deeds of assignment , like the conveyances of a verbose attorney, would be more cumbersome; but the thing assigned would be precisely the same as before, and could produce only the same effects

33. And they cherished every moment they had with him right until to the end, when he would leave on his final assignment

34. to begin the assignment

35. After Rikke dismissed her with a promise of a new assignment within a few days, she first stopped to pick up her new Legionnaire-issue armor and then made her way back to the Winking Skeever for a good night’s rest

36. The plan was to accommodate the exiles in tents here on the plain of Dura while they awaited their assignment to work as slaves with Babylonian households in the city

37. “It may be a wild goose chase but I want answers and all we're getting now is an ever-burgeoning volume of questions!” Mim and Yula were out of their depth on that assignment ; they seemed to realize it and so remained close to the Captain

38. “Ready for assignment my Captain,” she breathed in a tone devoid of any hint of doubt or uncertainty

39. But you were captured by the Naud on that very planet---Tenrith---you won't have remembered that was where you were at the time; so caught up in your surveying assignment and all

40. It’s the other half of Maro’s assignment here

41. Anyway, that was part of his assignment

42. There were a few basic facts about the first assignment on Eludi-4; nothing revealing

43. And then an instant later admonishing him for taking this assignment , when really he didn’t need the money

44. If there was one tangibly positive thing Roidon had gained from this assignment it had to be this car

45. This was his first assignment as an officer on board a whaleship, and his lay was

46. Following this short assignment , Midshipman Waddell was then

47. write much about this assignment but writes that from the Naval

48. During this assignment , he became very proficient in seamanship

49. He began that assignment as a “passed

50. Hawes was ready for his next assignment

51. ordered from his assignment at the Naval Academy to report to

52. Sometimes it has made this assignment or mortgage for a short period of time only, a year, or a few years, for example; and sometimes for perpetuity

53. They’re going on an assignment , they leave in four hours, at nine

54. By the time the CSS Georgia arrived in Cherbourg, Waddell was still waiting for news of a new assignment

55. waiting for an assignment to a fighting ship so they could enter the fight with the Yankees

56. wanted to get on with his assignment

57. 1864 of his new assignment

58. This was a massive assignment for such a rather young naval officer at forty years of age

59. They took as their doctrine a strict set of rules and guidelines know as the Temporal Directive, devising rules for minimal intervention and interference, which then had to be adapted for each assignment

60. This group put forward their intentions, theories and ideas as a serious alternative to the reformists – otherwise thought of as moderates – who were still to commence with that first assignment

61. It would be my reward for the completion of this assignment

62. The assignment had not just been designated to a select few, they all had their part to play in one way or another

63. Being couriered directly to an assignment in the Unity was much

64. He decided to haul me all over the satrapy to help with his assignment

65. With the capacity of each transport, and the roster of each regiment before him, the youngest officer could have made effective assignment and saved such dire confusion, which took two days to untangle, and entailed much sun-exposure and hardship on the soldiers

66. Spying on Sicarius? Could that be secret assignment Hollowcrest had given Amaranthe? The reason she had been in the Barracks to start with?

67. As expected his next assignment was to tie up any loose ends and get out

68. ‘You okay to go on an assignment in Pretoria for a few days?’ Rodger interrupted my thoughts as if on cue

69. After the meeting I went home alone as I had an assignment that had to be handed in by the following Tuesday

70. However, even without Egan there, the prospect of games at the camp was enough of a distraction, so much so that I could not finish the assignment

71. ‘If you want me to go over your assignment before you send it off, I’ll be finished with this in about an hour then I can do it for you

72. Her comments and suggestions were in all honesty fantastic and I amended my assignment accordingly

73. I had so hoped those few hours we had spent together with my assignment had been a turning point in our relationship and in her life

74. “My assignment had come through while I was still in the US and, yes, I suspected that some of the rumors of torture must be true, exaggerated but true

75. If he would but assure him of that same level, the assignment would be his

76. Assignment to the Caribbean coast and promotion to Comandante immediately followed

77. As it turned out, his assignment to the division came at a most opportune time: Costa Rica had recently succumbed to US pressure insisting that it expand its efforts against cocaine

78. At the time, cocaine passed through virtually unnoticed, a problem of little consequence for law enforcement, and that was perhaps the main reason he received the assignment

79. He was given an assignment unwanted by fellow detectives: partnership with the highly independent little Indian, which left him free to serve as the OIJ’s ambassador of corruption to the power brokers

80. That’s enough of an assignment for you

81. Frazer departed Costa Rica surreptitiously on official assignment before the date of the murder, and the OIJ’s cooperation in not drawing attention to his movements would be appreciated

82. He wondered whose idea of a joke had been that particular assignment

83. "Yes, I was reprogrammed to be a deathbot infiltrator and given an assignment , to locate and assist in the termination of one Kazuki Shimatani, location, the Badlands

84. At first he resented his assignment but the two had formed an unlikely bond

85. She received instead an assignment to England

86. Angry at his late night assignment , he was still half asleep

87. He explained his new assignment as a medic and asked her if, in the future, he could pick her up at 08:30 rather than 07:00, and she agreed

88. He asked, “Any chance you can get another assignment where you would need me to drive?”

89. " Joseph stepped forward wondering what his assignment would be

90. You know, if you’re interested, you could put in for a commission and an assignment to our outfit

91. There was also a typewritten list of names and addresses that Quarles suggested he memorize if he were to explain his temporary duty assignment in Paris

92. The temporary duty assignment is open-ended, ‘Until further notice

93. Colling asked to what job he would be assigned, now that he had returned, and Ferguson told him that he did not know, but that Vincent had indicated that he would personally decide Colling’s assignment within the battalion

94. I think this will be an excellent assignment for you

95. By the time Colling returned to his quarters, he felt he knew almost everything he would have to know about his new assignment

96. because you are on assignment for his brother The

97. The Polish lieutenant said something to Hermann before he rolled up his window, and as they drove past the barrier of sawhorses that the soldiers had moved aside for them, he said, “He told me I was lucky to have such an assignment , driving rich Americans around

98. The final report stated, ”Our assignment has been to look for mis-or-mal administration in the oil for

99. But she relished this assignment as driver

100. role in his assignment to Niger

Synonyms for "assignment"

"assignment" definitions.

a duty that you are assigned to perform (especially in the armed forces)

the instrument by which a claim or right or interest or property is transferred from one person to another

the act of distributing something to designated places or persons

(law) a transfer of property by deed of conveyance

an undertaking that you have been assigned to do (as by an instructor)

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

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Definition of assign verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• assign something (to somebody) The teacher assigned a different task to each of the children.
• The two large classrooms have been assigned to us.
• assign somebody something We have been assigned the two large classrooms.
• The teacher assigned each of the children a different task.

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

• assign somebody (to something/as something) They've assigned their best man to the job.
• Two senior officers have been assigned to the case.
• assign somebody to do something British forces have been assigned to help with peacekeeping.
• be assigned to somebody/something I was assigned to B platoon.
• He was assigned to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1975.
• assign something to something Assign a different colour to each different type of information.
• assign something sth The painting cannot be assigned an exact date.
• The agreement assigns copyright to the publisher.
• She has assigned the lease to her daughter.

Nearby words

Look up a word, learn it forever.

Other forms: assigned; assigns; assigning

To assign is to specify something or someone for a specific purpose. If your sisters fight over whose turn it is to sit in the front seat, your parents may have to assign turns.

The verb assign also means to transfer legal rights. You assign the deed to your house to new owners when you sell it. If you sort things into categories by characteristics, you are assigning them categories. When you make a budget, you assign each expense a category. Food and housing, for example, may be essential living expenses and medicine and doctor's visits may be health care. Chocolate gets its own category.

• verb select something or someone for a specific purpose “The teacher assigned him to lead his classmates in the exercise” synonyms: set apart , specify see more see less types: dedicate set apart to sacred uses with solemn rites, of a church detail assign to a specific task type of: choose , pick out , select , take pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
• verb give an assignment to (a person) to a post, or assign a task to (a person) synonyms: delegate , depute , designate see more see less types: show 27 types... hide 27 types... mandate assign authority to cast select to play,sing, or dance a part in a play, movie, musical, opera, or ballet post assign to a post; put into a post cast assign the roles of (a movie or a play) to actors devolve pass on or delegate to another task assign a task to place place somebody in a particular situation or location regiment assign to a regiment reassign , transfer transfer somebody to a different position or location of work delegate , depute transfer power to someone mandate assign under a mandate advance , elevate , kick upstairs , promote , raise , upgrade give a promotion to or assign to a higher position break , bump , demote , kick downstairs , relegate assign to a lower position; reduce in rank place assign to (a job or a home) recast cast again, in a different role miscast cast an actor, singer, or dancer in an unsuitable role typecast cast repeatedly in the same kind of role second transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment exchange hand over one and receive another, approximately equivalent tenure give life-time employment to bring up promote from a lower position or rank spot promote promote on the spot ennoble , entitle , gentle give a title to someone; make someone a member of the nobility sideline remove from the center of activity or attention; place into an inferior position reduce bring to humbler or weaker state or condition favor , favour , prefer promote or prefer over another brevet promote somebody by brevet, in the military type of: appoint , charge assign a duty, responsibility, or obligation to
• verb decide as to where something belongs in a scheme “The biologist assigned the mushroom to the proper class” synonyms: attribute see more see less types: classify , relegate assign to a class or kind type of: evaluate , judge , pass judgment form a critical opinion of
• verb give out “We were assigned new uniforms” synonyms: allot , portion see more see less types: show 5 types... hide 5 types... allow , appropriate , earmark , reserve , set aside give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause allocate , apportion distribute according to a plan or set apart for a special purpose reallocate , reapportion allocate, distribute, or apportion anew ration , ration out distribute in rations, as in the army award , present give, especially as an honor or reward type of: administer , allot , deal , deal out , dish out , dispense , distribute , dole , dole out , lot , mete , mete out , parcel out , shell out administer or bestow, as in small portions
• verb attribute or give synonyms: put see more see less types: repose put or confide something in a person or thing type of: apply , employ , use , utilise , utilize put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
• verb attribute or credit to synonyms: ascribe , attribute , impute impute attribute (responsibility or fault) to a cause or source see more see less types: show 10 types... hide 10 types... impute attribute (responsibility or fault) to a cause or source carnalise , carnalize , sensualise , sensualize ascribe to an origin in sensation credit give someone credit for something reattribute attribute to another source anthropomorphise , anthropomorphize ascribe human features to something personate , personify attribute human qualities to something accredit , credit ascribe an achievement to blame , charge attribute responsibility to externalise , externalize , project regard as objective interiorise , interiorize , internalise , internalize incorporate within oneself; make subjective or personal type of: evaluate , judge , pass judgment form a critical opinion of
• verb transfer one's right to see more see less type of: transfer cause to change ownership
• verb make undue claims to having synonyms: arrogate see more see less type of: arrogate , claim , lay claim demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to

Vocabulary lists containing assign

Vocabulary from "Beowulf" (translated by by Gummere).

Based on the true story of Navajo code talkers, this novel recounts the exploits of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo soldier in World War II. Ned's language skills prove to be invaluable as the Americans work to send secret messages to help them in their fight.

This collection of autobiographical short stories by Francisco Jiménez explores the immigrant experience in the United States.

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Understanding Assignments

What this handout is about.

The first step in any successful college writing venture is reading the assignment. While this sounds like a simple task, it can be a tough one. This handout will help you unravel your assignment and begin to craft an effective response. Much of the following advice will involve translating typical assignment terms and practices into meaningful clues to the type of writing your instructor expects. See our short video for more tips.

Basic beginnings

Regardless of the assignment, department, or instructor, adopting these two habits will serve you well :

• Read the assignment carefully as soon as you receive it. Do not put this task off—reading the assignment at the beginning will save you time, stress, and problems later. An assignment can look pretty straightforward at first, particularly if the instructor has provided lots of information. That does not mean it will not take time and effort to complete; you may even have to learn a new skill to complete the assignment.
• Ask the instructor about anything you do not understand. Do not hesitate to approach your instructor. Instructors would prefer to set you straight before you hand the paper in. That’s also when you will find their feedback most useful.

Assignment formats

Many assignments follow a basic format. Assignments often begin with an overview of the topic, include a central verb or verbs that describe the task, and offer some additional suggestions, questions, or prompts to get you started.

An Overview of Some Kind

The instructor might set the stage with some general discussion of the subject of the assignment, introduce the topic, or remind you of something pertinent that you have discussed in class. For example:

“Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics,” or “In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly …”

The Task of the Assignment

Pay attention; this part tells you what to do when you write the paper. Look for the key verb or verbs in the sentence. Words like analyze, summarize, or compare direct you to think about your topic in a certain way. Also pay attention to words such as how, what, when, where, and why; these words guide your attention toward specific information. (See the section in this handout titled “Key Terms” for more information.)

“Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution”, or “Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin’s.”

Additional Material to Think about

Here you will find some questions to use as springboards as you begin to think about the topic. Instructors usually include these questions as suggestions rather than requirements. Do not feel compelled to answer every question unless the instructor asks you to do so. Pay attention to the order of the questions. Sometimes they suggest the thinking process your instructor imagines you will need to follow to begin thinking about the topic.

“You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils, or Can there be such a thing as ‘the housefly garment industry’ or is it just a home-based craft?”

These are the instructor’s comments about writing expectations:

“Be concise”, “Write effectively”, or “Argue furiously.”

Technical Details

These instructions usually indicate format rules or guidelines.

“Your paper must be typed in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on the anniversary of Mao Tse-tung’s death.”

The assignment’s parts may not appear in exactly this order, and each part may be very long or really short. Nonetheless, being aware of this standard pattern can help you understand what your instructor wants you to do.

Interpreting the assignment

Ask yourself a few basic questions as you read and jot down the answers on the assignment sheet:

Why did your instructor ask you to do this particular task?

Who is your audience.

• What kind of evidence do you need to support your ideas?

What kind of writing style is acceptable?

• What are the absolute rules of the paper?

Try to look at the question from the point of view of the instructor. Recognize that your instructor has a reason for giving you this assignment and for giving it to you at a particular point in the semester. In every assignment, the instructor has a challenge for you. This challenge could be anything from demonstrating an ability to think clearly to demonstrating an ability to use the library. See the assignment not as a vague suggestion of what to do but as an opportunity to show that you can handle the course material as directed. Paper assignments give you more than a topic to discuss—they ask you to do something with the topic. Keep reminding yourself of that. Be careful to avoid the other extreme as well: do not read more into the assignment than what is there.

Of course, your instructor has given you an assignment so that they will be able to assess your understanding of the course material and give you an appropriate grade. But there is more to it than that. Your instructor has tried to design a learning experience of some kind. Your instructor wants you to think about something in a particular way for a particular reason. If you read the course description at the beginning of your syllabus, review the assigned readings, and consider the assignment itself, you may begin to see the plan, purpose, or approach to the subject matter that your instructor has created for you. If you still aren’t sure of the assignment’s goals, try asking the instructor. For help with this, see our handout on getting feedback .

Given your instructor’s efforts, it helps to answer the question: What is my purpose in completing this assignment? Is it to gather research from a variety of outside sources and present a coherent picture? Is it to take material I have been learning in class and apply it to a new situation? Is it to prove a point one way or another? Key words from the assignment can help you figure this out. Look for key terms in the form of active verbs that tell you what to do.

Key Terms: Finding Those Active Verbs

Here are some common key words and definitions to help you think about assignment terms:

Information words Ask you to demonstrate what you know about the subject, such as who, what, when, where, how, and why.

• define —give the subject’s meaning (according to someone or something). Sometimes you have to give more than one view on the subject’s meaning
• describe —provide details about the subject by answering question words (such as who, what, when, where, how, and why); you might also give details related to the five senses (what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell)
• explain —give reasons why or examples of how something happened
• illustrate —give descriptive examples of the subject and show how each is connected with the subject
• summarize —briefly list the important ideas you learned about the subject
• trace —outline how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form
• research —gather material from outside sources about the subject, often with the implication or requirement that you will analyze what you have found

Relation words Ask you to demonstrate how things are connected.

• compare —show how two or more things are similar (and, sometimes, different)
• contrast —show how two or more things are dissimilar
• apply —use details that you’ve been given to demonstrate how an idea, theory, or concept works in a particular situation
• cause —show how one event or series of events made something else happen
• relate —show or describe the connections between things

Interpretation words Ask you to defend ideas of your own about the subject. Do not see these words as requesting opinion alone (unless the assignment specifically says so), but as requiring opinion that is supported by concrete evidence. Remember examples, principles, definitions, or concepts from class or research and use them in your interpretation.

• assess —summarize your opinion of the subject and measure it against something
• prove, justify —give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is the truth
• evaluate, respond —state your opinion of the subject as good, bad, or some combination of the two, with examples and reasons
• support —give reasons or evidence for something you believe (be sure to state clearly what it is that you believe)
• synthesize —put two or more things together that have not been put together in class or in your readings before; do not just summarize one and then the other and say that they are similar or different—you must provide a reason for putting them together that runs all the way through the paper
• analyze —determine how individual parts create or relate to the whole, figure out how something works, what it might mean, or why it is important
• argue —take a side and defend it with evidence against the other side

More Clues to Your Purpose As you read the assignment, think about what the teacher does in class:

• What kinds of textbooks or coursepack did your instructor choose for the course—ones that provide background information, explain theories or perspectives, or argue a point of view?
• In lecture, does your instructor ask your opinion, try to prove their point of view, or use keywords that show up again in the assignment?
• What kinds of assignments are typical in this discipline? Social science classes often expect more research. Humanities classes thrive on interpretation and analysis.
• How do the assignments, readings, and lectures work together in the course? Instructors spend time designing courses, sometimes even arguing with their peers about the most effective course materials. Figuring out the overall design to the course will help you understand what each assignment is meant to achieve.

Now, what about your reader? Most undergraduates think of their audience as the instructor. True, your instructor is a good person to keep in mind as you write. But for the purposes of a good paper, think of your audience as someone like your roommate: smart enough to understand a clear, logical argument, but not someone who already knows exactly what is going on in your particular paper. Remember, even if the instructor knows everything there is to know about your paper topic, they still have to read your paper and assess your understanding. In other words, teach the material to your reader.

Aiming a paper at your audience happens in two ways: you make decisions about the tone and the level of information you want to convey.

• Tone means the “voice” of your paper. Should you be chatty, formal, or objective? Usually you will find some happy medium—you do not want to alienate your reader by sounding condescending or superior, but you do not want to, um, like, totally wig on the man, you know? Eschew ostentatious erudition: some students think the way to sound academic is to use big words. Be careful—you can sound ridiculous, especially if you use the wrong big words.
• The level of information you use depends on who you think your audience is. If you imagine your audience as your instructor and they already know everything you have to say, you may find yourself leaving out key information that can cause your argument to be unconvincing and illogical. But you do not have to explain every single word or issue. If you are telling your roommate what happened on your favorite science fiction TV show last night, you do not say, “First a dark-haired white man of average height, wearing a suit and carrying a flashlight, walked into the room. Then a purple alien with fifteen arms and at least three eyes turned around. Then the man smiled slightly. In the background, you could hear a clock ticking. The room was fairly dark and had at least two windows that I saw.” You also do not say, “This guy found some aliens. The end.” Find some balance of useful details that support your main point.

You’ll find a much more detailed discussion of these concepts in our handout on audience .

The Grim Truth

With a few exceptions (including some lab and ethnography reports), you are probably being asked to make an argument. You must convince your audience. It is easy to forget this aim when you are researching and writing; as you become involved in your subject matter, you may become enmeshed in the details and focus on learning or simply telling the information you have found. You need to do more than just repeat what you have read. Your writing should have a point, and you should be able to say it in a sentence. Sometimes instructors call this sentence a “thesis” or a “claim.”

So, if your instructor tells you to write about some aspect of oral hygiene, you do not want to just list: “First, you brush your teeth with a soft brush and some peanut butter. Then, you floss with unwaxed, bologna-flavored string. Finally, gargle with bourbon.” Instead, you could say, “Of all the oral cleaning methods, sandblasting removes the most plaque. Therefore it should be recommended by the American Dental Association.” Or, “From an aesthetic perspective, moldy teeth can be quite charming. However, their joys are short-lived.”

Convincing the reader of your argument is the goal of academic writing. It doesn’t have to say “argument” anywhere in the assignment for you to need one. Look at the assignment and think about what kind of argument you could make about it instead of just seeing it as a checklist of information you have to present. For help with understanding the role of argument in academic writing, see our handout on argument .

What kind of evidence do you need?

There are many kinds of evidence, and what type of evidence will work for your assignment can depend on several factors–the discipline, the parameters of the assignment, and your instructor’s preference. Should you use statistics? Historical examples? Do you need to conduct your own experiment? Can you rely on personal experience? See our handout on evidence for suggestions on how to use evidence appropriately.

Make sure you are clear about this part of the assignment, because your use of evidence will be crucial in writing a successful paper. You are not just learning how to argue; you are learning how to argue with specific types of materials and ideas. Ask your instructor what counts as acceptable evidence. You can also ask a librarian for help. No matter what kind of evidence you use, be sure to cite it correctly—see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .

You cannot always tell from the assignment just what sort of writing style your instructor expects. The instructor may be really laid back in class but still expect you to sound formal in writing. Or the instructor may be fairly formal in class and ask you to write a reflection paper where you need to use “I” and speak from your own experience.

Try to avoid false associations of a particular field with a style (“art historians like wacky creativity,” or “political scientists are boring and just give facts”) and look instead to the types of readings you have been given in class. No one expects you to write like Plato—just use the readings as a guide for what is standard or preferable to your instructor. When in doubt, ask your instructor about the level of formality they expect.

No matter what field you are writing for or what facts you are including, if you do not write so that your reader can understand your main idea, you have wasted your time. So make clarity your main goal. For specific help with style, see our handout on style .

Technical details about the assignment

The technical information you are given in an assignment always seems like the easy part. This section can actually give you lots of little hints about approaching the task. Find out if elements such as page length and citation format (see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial ) are negotiable. Some professors do not have strong preferences as long as you are consistent and fully answer the assignment. Some professors are very specific and will deduct big points for deviations.

Usually, the page length tells you something important: The instructor thinks the size of the paper is appropriate to the assignment’s parameters. In plain English, your instructor is telling you how many pages it should take for you to answer the question as fully as you are expected to. So if an assignment is two pages long, you cannot pad your paper with examples or reword your main idea several times. Hit your one point early, defend it with the clearest example, and finish quickly. If an assignment is ten pages long, you can be more complex in your main points and examples—and if you can only produce five pages for that assignment, you need to see someone for help—as soon as possible.

Tricks that don’t work

Your instructors are not fooled when you:

• spend more time on the cover page than the essay —graphics, cool binders, and cute titles are no replacement for a well-written paper.
• use huge fonts, wide margins, or extra spacing to pad the page length —these tricks are immediately obvious to the eye. Most instructors use the same word processor you do. They know what’s possible. Such tactics are especially damning when the instructor has a stack of 60 papers to grade and yours is the only one that low-flying airplane pilots could read.
• use a paper from another class that covered “sort of similar” material . Again, the instructor has a particular task for you to fulfill in the assignment that usually relates to course material and lectures. Your other paper may not cover this material, and turning in the same paper for more than one course may constitute an Honor Code violation . Ask the instructor—it can’t hurt.
• get all wacky and “creative” before you answer the question . Showing that you are able to think beyond the boundaries of a simple assignment can be good, but you must do what the assignment calls for first. Again, check with your instructor. A humorous tone can be refreshing for someone grading a stack of papers, but it will not get you a good grade if you have not fulfilled the task.

Critical reading of assignments leads to skills in other types of reading and writing. If you get good at figuring out what the real goals of assignments are, you are going to be better at understanding the goals of all of your classes and fields of study.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Assignment in a sentence

• 某某   2016-01-13 联网相关的政策
• hang in the balance  (39)
• hard and fast  (35+3)
• spotless  (53+7)
• hit below the belt  (8)
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• motto  (98+3)
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• greece  (274+13)
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• delete  (189+3)
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What is paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing involves expressing someone else’s ideas or thoughts in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. Paraphrasing tools can help you quickly reword text by replacing certain words with synonyms or restructuring sentences. They can also make your text more concise, clear, and suitable for a specific audience. Paraphrasing is an essential skill in academic writing and professional communication. 

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Frequently asked questions

The act of putting someone else’s ideas or words into your own words is called paraphrasing, rephrasing, or rewording. Even though they are often used interchangeably, the terms can mean slightly different things:

Paraphrasing is restating someone else’s ideas or words in your own words while retaining their meaning. Paraphrasing changes sentence structure, word choice, and sentence length to convey the same meaning.

Rephrasing may involve more substantial changes to the original text, including changing the order of sentences or the overall structure of the text.

Rewording is changing individual words in a text without changing its meaning or structure, often using synonyms.

It can. One of the two methods of paraphrasing is called “Fluency.” This will improve the language and fix grammatical errors in the text you’re paraphrasing.

Paraphrasing and using a paraphrasing tool aren’t cheating. It’s a great tool for saving time and coming up with new ways to express yourself in writing.  However, always be sure to credit your sources. Avoid plagiarism.  

If you don’t properly cite text paraphrased from another source, you’re plagiarizing. If you use someone else’s text and paraphrase it, you need to credit the original source. You can do that by using citations. There are different styles, like APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago. Find more information about citing sources here.

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Paraphrasing without crediting the original author is a form of plagiarism , because you’re presenting someone else’s ideas as if they were your own.

However, paraphrasing is not plagiarism if you correctly cite the source . This means including an in-text citation and a full reference, formatted according to your required citation style .

As well as citing, make sure that any paraphrased text is completely rewritten in your own words.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own. Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas in your own words.

So when does paraphrasing count as plagiarism?

• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if you don’t properly credit the original author.
• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if your text is too close to the original wording (even if you cite the source). If you directly copy a sentence or phrase, you should quote it instead.
• Paraphrasing  is not plagiarism if you put the author’s ideas completely in your own words and properly cite the source .

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• ✍️Summary Examples
• 🎁 Bonus Tips

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📖 text shortener guide.

Summarizing is an essential part of academic writing. It shows your ability to separate and present the main findings, plot elements, thoughts, etc. A good summary lets another person easily understand it without reading the original text.

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• When you need to write a concluding paragraph. It can be an essay, research paper, lab report, or other academic text. Paste your body paragraphs into the box to create a summary for your concluding part.
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• When you need to read an extensive article. You will do it faster as summarizing tool makes the text shorter, preserving the main information. It is helpful when you need to read many articles and highlight the key points.
• When you need to shorten other researchers’ passages. Including lengthy quotes in your paper is not the best decision. Instead, you can use our tool to make them shorter without changing their sense.
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• When you need to refresh your knowledge. Instead of reading a full text or book, just use a summary generator. After a quick revision of the content, you can save and use these extracts later.

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✒️ How to Write an Outstanding Summary

If you want to write a summary yourself, this passage is for you. Follow these guidelines to shorten texts better and faster.

• Find only one core thought – this is the basis of the text. Then look for supporting points that revolve around this idea. At this stage, you can list the essential ideas in the text.
• Don’t use judgmental and emotional vocabulary while writing. Your goal is to be as objective as possible. You can also rewrite the informal style to formal. Remember that summarizing is not the same as paraphrasing .
• Keep your summary brief: it shouldn’t be longer than 15% of the initial text. But we still recommend using synonyms and synonymic expressions not to repeat the original passage. Don’t forget to reference the works you have included.
• Reread your summary . Make sure that its writing style corresponds with the rest of your work.
• Add transition words if you notice that there is no flow. Ask yourself: can a person understand the core meaning of your text just after reading the summary?

If yes, congratulations! You have just created a good summary. If not, find the details that you have missed. It can be a logical sequence, a particular argument, event, or evidence. Rewrite your summary till it fully represents the original text.

✍️ Text Shortening Examples

Now let’s take a look at two summary examples.

🎁 Bonus Tips for Students

• Make sure you know what kind of summary you need. For example, an executive summary has particular guidelines and writing formulas.
• Avoid complex terminology and long sentences. Your summary should be independent and straightforward. Imagine that a person unfamiliar with the topic needs to understand the text.
• To shorten a long text, make a one-sentence summary for each paragraph. It will help you control the size of the summary. It also will be easier to navigate the text if you decide to rewrite or adjust your summary.

What does summarize mean?

Summarizing means shortening a larger text without changing its meaning. You can usually see summaries at the end of essays and other academic papers. While shortening a text, you need to cover only the essential details mentioned in the text. In most summaries, you shouldn’t include your opinion on the matter and have to be objective.

How to summarize a story?

You need to retell a story briefly. Imagine that you have read a book and want to describe it to your friend. Highlight the main plot elements and characters that are crucial to the story. Omit the parts that are not essential for a person who wants to understand the plot.

How to summarize a quote?

Read the passage and find its key message. Briefly describe this thought in your own words. Make sure that the summarized piece fits your paper’s tone. If you leave more than three words unchanged, put them in quotation marks. Don’t forget to give credit to the author.

Note: short, clearly expressed quotes do not need shortening.

Updated: Aug 11th, 2022

• How to Write a Summary: 4 Tips for Writing a Good Summary | Masterclass
• Guidelines for Writing a Summary | Hunter College
• 10 Tips for Cutting Your Word Count | The University of Adelaide
• 8 Ways to Reduce the Word Count for Your Research Paper | How to Write a Journal Article