What Do Instructors Really Want in Your Writing Assignments?

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Harry Wilson

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Dec 28, 2024, 1:42:31 AM12/28/24

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Have you ever stared at a writing assignment prompt and thought, What exactly does my instructor want from me? It’s a frustrating feeling, isn’t it? You’re given a topic, a word count, and maybe a few guidelines, but the real expectations often seem hidden between the lines. It can leave you second-guessing yourself, wondering if you’re on the right track.

Writing assignments often feel like a guessing game because every instructor has their own preferences. Some might prioritize creativity, while others care more about strict adherence to structure and formatting. Without clear instructions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to approach the task.

But here’s the good news: most instructors are looking for a few common elements in your writing—clarity, critical thinking, and effort. By understanding these core expectations, you can cut through the confusion and tackle your assignments with confidence. Let’s break it down and figure out what really matters.

Clarity and Focus: Get to the Point

One thing instructors repeatedly emphasize is clarity. They don’t want to wade through paragraphs of fluff to find your main argument. Be concise. If the prompt asks you to analyze the effects of climate change on agriculture, don’t spend half your paper summarizing what climate change is. Dive straight into your thesis and support it with clear, well-organized points.

Pro tip: Before submitting, reread your assignment and ask yourself, Can someone unfamiliar with this topic understand my argument? If the answer is no, it’s time to revise.

Strong Thesis Statements: Your Argument Matters

A solid thesis is the backbone of any great essay. Instructors often look for a clear, specific, and arguable thesis. For example, instead of writing, “Social media impacts mental health,” try something like, “Excessive social media use among teenagers contributes to increased anxiety by fostering unrealistic comparisons and disrupting sleep patterns.”

Your thesis should guide your paper. Every paragraph should connect back to it in some way. Instructors love seeing a paper that stays on track and delivers on its initial promise.

Critical Thinking Over Regurgitation

Let’s face it—most instructors have read dozens, if not hundreds, of essays on similar topics. What stands out is original thinking. They want to see that you’ve engaged with the material and can form your own conclusions.

For example, if you’re writing about Shakespeare, don’t just say, “Hamlet is indecisive.” Instead, explore why his indecision matters. What does it reveal about human nature or the play’s broader themes? Instructors value depth over surface-level analysis.

Proper Structure: Make It Easy to Follow

Imagine reading a paper with no clear introduction, body, or conclusion—it’s frustrating, right? Instructors feel the same way. A well-structured essay not only makes your argument stronger but also shows that you respect your reader’s time.

Stick to a logical flow:

Introduction: Hook your reader and present your thesis.
Body paragraphs: Each should focus on a single point, supported by evidence.
Conclusion: Tie everything together without introducing new ideas.

Evidence and Sources: Show Your Work

Instructors don’t just want your opinions—they want to see how you’ve arrived at them. This means using credible sources to back up your claims. Whether it’s data, quotes, or examples, make sure your evidence is relevant and properly cited.

And don’t forget: Avoid over-relying on sources. Your voice should shine through. Instructors want to hear your analysis, not just a summary of what others have said.

Polished Writing: Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

No matter how brilliant your ideas are, typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message. Take the time to proofread. Better yet, ask a friend or classmate to review your work—they might catch things you’ve missed.

Tools like Grammarly can help, but don’t rely on them entirely. Instructors appreciate the effort you put into crafting a clean, polished paper.

7. Following the Prompt: Don’t Go Off Track

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. One of the biggest mistakes students make is not fully addressing the assignment prompt. If the instructor asks for a comparison between two theories, don’t write an essay that only focuses on one.

Read the prompt carefully and highlight key requirements. If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Instructors would rather answer your questions upfront than grade a paper that missed the mark.

Real Talk: When You Need Extra Help

Let’s be honest—sometimes life gets in the way. Maybe you’ve got three other assignments due, or you’re struggling to wrap your head around a complex topic. In those moments, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s smart time management.

Services like MyPerfectWords.com can be a lifesaver when you’re overwhelmed. They provide assignment writing service tailored to your needs. Whether you need help organizing your ideas or just polishing your draft, having a backup plan can reduce stress and help you meet deadlines.

That said, always use these services responsibly. Think of them as a learning tool rather than a shortcut.

A Final Thought: Show Your Effort

Instructors aren’t just grading your paper—they’re grading the effort you put into it. They can tell when you’ve spent time researching, brainstorming, and revising. Even if your writing isn’t perfect, showing genuine effort can go a long way.

Remember, every assignment is an opportunity to improve. Writing is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice. So the next time you’re faced with a daunting prompt, take a deep breath and tackle it one step at a time.

Let’s keep the conversation going—what do you think instructors value most in writing assignments? Have you ever received feedback that surprised you? Share your thoughts below!