Skip to Main Content
UNLV Logo

Decoding Assignments: Guiding Questions

This guide will help students to decode and understand instructor expectations on course assignments.

What does it mean to Decode Assignments?

At the start of class, your instructor hands you an assignment with their expectations. If the assignment expectations are unclear, you may not meet all of the requirements which could result in a low grade. It is essential that you understand what exactly the instructor is asking. The purpose of the questions listed below are to make sure that you are leaving the classroom with all of the information necessary to thoroughly and successfully complete an assignment. Following are a list of the questions that you should be able to answer in order to confidently approach an assignment

Understanding Assignments

Guiding Questions

Action Words

Following are some key action words your instructor may use to explain your assignment. If the directions still seem unclear, use this chart to help you understand what they are asking for: 

© University of Nevada Las Vegas