Unpack your assessment task

You will experience a wide variety of assessment types during your studies at Monash. It’s important to understand the expectations and requirements of your assessments. Here are some strategies to help you get started.

Tips for understanding your assessments View

Five steps to analysing an assessment task

Before you make a start on your assessment, take the time to carefully analyse the task by understanding each of its components.

Assessments take many forms. Is it an essay, report, annotated bibliography, literature review, short answer exam question, video presentation or something else?
Take a look at our Assessment glossary to learn more about different assessment types, and book in with a SAS Learning Adviser, who will be able to help you to understand the task and navigate your way to some helpful resources.
For additional information on assessment at Monash, visit https://www.monash.edu/students/admin/exams/assessment

2. Identify the instruction words

Find all the words in the task that direct you to do something. Are you being asked to analyse, discuss, evaluate, explain, reflect or something else? Check the meaning of common direction words below.

Some directions are implied rather than stated. For example, the question “How does the theory apply?” is asking you to explain how the theory applies.

Direction word	What it asks you to do
Analyse	Examine an argument, theory or process in detail, then explain and interpret it.
Argue	Present the case for and/or against a proposition, using reasons and evidence to convince the reader.
Compare	Identify and explain similarities and differences.
Contrast	Stress the differences between two or more things (for example, two theories or two findings).
Critique	Evaluate in detail, weighing strengths and weaknesses and supporting your judgement with evidence.
Critically…	(e.g. “critically analyse”) Approach the task by evaluating the claims, reasoning or evidence.
Define	Give a concise, clear and authoritative meaning. Set the limits of the definition and show how the item differs from similar items, but omit detailed explanation.
Describe	Give a detailed account of features, qualities or events. Recount, characterise and relate in sequence.
Discuss	Examine from several perspectives, giving reasons for and against. Be complete and give details, usually with a view to assessing how satisfactory something is.
Evaluate	Appraise in relation to a standard, referring to advantages, limitations, and costs and benefits where appropriate.
Explain	Clarify, interpret and elaborate on the material. Give reasons for differences of opinion or results, and try to analyse causes.
Illustrate	Use a concrete example, diagram or figure to explain or clarify a problem.
Outline	Present the essential features, showing main points and subordinate points. Omit minor details.
Review	Examine a subject critically, analysing and commenting on the important or controversial points.
Summarise	Give the main points or facts in condensed form.

Identify the concept or content words in the task. These words tell you what to discuss, evaluate, or compare.
After identifying the key words, make sure you know precisely what they mean. Every field of study has its own specific vocabulary and some words may have different meanings from everyday usage.
You can use these key words when researching, to find relevant books, articles or other resources. For help with research, book a consultation with a librarian.
Find the words in the task that help you to limit the scope of your response. Phrases such as ‘focus on’, ‘confine your discussion to’ or ‘refer to three examples’ provide boundaries for your writing or presentation. The question may specify a date range or geographical area.
The word limit gives you a good idea of the amount of detail to include. If the limit is low, 150 words for example, you can only provide an overview of the topic. If you are asked to write 2000 words, an in-depth analysis is expected.
The rubric outlines specific expectations and contains important additional information you should consider when preparing your answer. Take note of all the listed criteria as well as the task expectations. Note what is required to obtain the best possible result. For example, how are different criteria weighted? How many peer reviewed references are required? How might this change your planning and your research?

Check your understanding View

Note

Extensions and special consideration

If you're experiencing exceptional circumstances and can't complete your assessment on time, you can apply for a short extension or special consideration. For more details see the Special consideration webpage.

If you get an extension, still try to complete your assessment as close to the original deadline as you can, so that it does not hold up your progress in other areas of your study.

Long extensions or multiple extensions may impact your progress in the rest of your unit, as the content often builds upon previous tasks within the unit.

Reach out to one of our support teams for help with completing your assessments on time.

For support with time management and managing your tasks, book a consultation with a learning adviser for individualised learning support.
If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety or any other personal challenges, reach out to the Monash Counselling team.

Taking it further

Your feedback matters

We want to hear from you! Let us know what you found most useful or share your suggestions for improving this resource.

	1. Always read assessment instructions closely and analyse each task.
	2. Check the assessment rubric which lists all the criteria being tested. This is a guide that lecturers give you to clarify their expectations of each task. Use the rubric to plan your response as well as the emphasis that you should give to each section. Also use the rubric to review your work before submitting it.
	3. Take a fresh look at the unit learning outcomes and ask yourself which learning outcomes relate to an assessment task and what is being tested. What do your lecturers want to see from you through this task? For example, do they want to see your understanding of particular theories or formulas? Are they assessing your application of concepts to specific situations?
	4. Identify and build the necessary skills. Assessments require you to demonstrate your learning through a range of individual and some team-based work. You may need to develop or refresh particular skills. Be proactive and build these particular skills early in the semester.
	5. Plan effectively to manage deadlines and word limits, building in sufficient time to handle each phase of the process e.g. research, drafting and editing. Assessments are scheduled progressively through the semester, and submission dates for all your units may fall at similar times, so start all your assessments early.
	6. Check your unit Moodle page regularly for accurate information and guidelines on how to complete and submit each assessment.

Student Academic Success

Student Academic Success

Unpack your assessment task

Tips for understanding your assessments View

Five steps to analysing an assessment task

Check your understanding View

Note

Extensions and special consideration

Taking it further

Assessment glossary

Tips if you fail an assessment

Learn from feedback

Your feedback matters