Purdue University Online Writing Lab: "Common Writing Assignments"
Read this webpage, beginning with the section titled "Understanding Writing Assignments" (click on the title to access the full webpage covering this topic). Then, click on the nine different types of writing assignments listed on the webpage. Read each section for an introduction to various types of writing assignments. In particular, note the different approaches suggested for each type of assignment. In some cases, an instructor will not be clear about which type of writing he or she wants; in this case, you can ask the instructor for clarification and use your critical thinking and problem solving skills to determine the best approach. In fact, it may be very helpful to you to bookmark this webpage for use throughout your college experience.