This resource is designed to help students begin their writing process with confidence by learning how to create a clear, structured outline. Many students feel overwhelmed when they first look at an assignment prompt, especially when the instructions include multiple questions, tasks, or themes. This guide breaks that process down into simple, manageable steps. The goal is to help students move from uncertainty to clarity, giving them a roadmap they can follow as they draft their assignment.
Copy and paste the questions from your guidelines and rubric into a word document so you have everything in one place. These questions will serve you as a foundation for your outline
1.1. Example:
Here is an example of questions listed under the directions in an Assignment Guidelines and Rubric:
Use the questions as section headers or guiding points. This helps you stay organized and ensures you address every requirement.
2.1. Example:
Perceptions and Observations: Describe some perceptions and observations present in your thinking regarding your chosen topic.
- What factors or experiences may have contributed to these perceptions?
- What is your prior knowledge about this particular topic?
Biases and Assumptions: Explain your own biases and assumptions regarding the topic you chose for your project.
- What biases and assumptions do you have about this topic?
- Where do you think those biases and assumptions influenced your perception?
- What are your stances on issues about the topic?
Write your responses directly under each question or header. Focus on depth, clarity, and personal reflection. This step helps you build the content that will later become your full paragraph or essay.
Once all questions are answered, you can choose to:
- Remove the questions and keep only the section headers
- Keep the bold headers and turn your answers into full paragraphs
- You may also add a short introduction to connect the sections smoothly
4.1. Example with Headers:
Perceptions and Observations:
I realized that I tend to see this topic as something challenging but important. I notice that I pay attention to how people react, how they communicate, and how comfortable they feel. My perceptions come from my past experiences working with students and seeing how they respond in different situations. My own background and the way I was taught also influence how I understand this topic. Before starting this, I already knew some basic ideas about the topic from my work and past classes. I had some experience with it, but I knew there was still more to learn.
Biases and Assumptions:
I realized that I sometimes assume this topic is harder for people than it actually is. I also tend to expect certain reactions based on what I’ve seen before. I have a bias that people might feel nervous or unsure about this topic because that’s what I’ve seen in the past. I also assume that people need extra support, even before I know their actual comfort level. These assumptions influenced the way I interpreted people’s reactions. I paid more attention to signs of confusion or stress because I expected them. My bias led me to focus on the challenges rather than on moments of confidence or independence.
4.2. Example with No Headers:
When removing headers, add a topic sentence that includes some of the content from the course or reading resources.
Perceptions and observations involve identifying what we see and interpreting how personal experiences, biases, and cultural contexts shape our understanding of topics like mental health. I realized that I tend to see this topic as something challenging but important. I notice that I pay attention to how people react, how they communicate, and how comfortable they feel. My perceptions come from my past experiences working with students and seeing how they respond in different situations. My own background and the way I was taught also influence how I understand this topic. Before starting this, I already knew some basic ideas about the topic from my work and past classes. I had some experience with it, but I knew there was still more to learn.
Bias and assumptions can cloud our judgment, impact decision-making and affect how we interpret situations. realized that I sometimes assume this topic is harder for people than it actually is. I also tend to expect certain reactions based on what I’ve seen before. I have a bias that people might feel nervous or unsure about this topic because that’s what I’ve seen in the past. I also assume that people need extra support, even before I know their actual comfort level. These assumptions influenced the way I interpreted people’s reactions. I paid more attention to signs of confusion or stress because I expected them. My bias led me to focus on the challenges rather than on moments of confidence or independence.
Additional Tips:
For more helpful resources on completing assignments, check out these other Academic Resource Center links:
Submitting Your Assignments in Brightspace Video
Brightspace and ePortfolio Resources
Academic Writing and Format Video
Need More Help?
Book a workshop, schedule with an Academic Coach, or access 24/7 drop-in tutoring. You can access these services and more from the Academic Support homepage. To access the homepage, use the direct link to "Academic Support" from any Brightspace course at the top of the navigation bar.