Break Down the Assignment Into Steps - cont.

Here is an example of how you might break down the assignment for Example #1 to help students:

Step 1. Understand what religion means for Marx, Durkheim, and Weber.

Step 2. Identify how the writers’ conceptions of religion are linked.

Step 3. Develop a thesis based on the specified connections among the writers.

Step 4. Select and use evidence appropriately.

Step 5. Develop a logical structure for their essay.

Create in-class activities or mini take-home assignments for these steps to exemplify the kind of thinking and writing your students will be doing in their full assignment.