Question：Some students prefer to have their final grades determined by numerous small
assignments, whereas others prefer to have their final grades determined by only a few large
assignments. Which do you prefer and why?
sample answer：
I prefer to have my final grade determined by numerous small assignments rather than one or two large
assignments. That way, procrastination is less likely because I’m sharply focused on the frequent due
dates. I also tend to learn more throughout the semester and each assignment is less stressful because
they aren’t worth a huge percentage of my total grade.
Procrastination can be a big problem for some students, myself included. When there are only a few
large assignments in a class, there can be several weeks in a row where we aren’t required to turn in
any work. The assumption is that we are studying or writing at home in the meantime. However, I
know that this can sometimes lead to procrastination on my part. I take advantage of the situation and
think I can take a few days to relax before getting to work. But more and more time goes by and
suddenly I am scrambling to complete the assignment before the due date. Turning in smaller
assignments more frequently prevents this scenario. The structure doesn’t allow me to fall behind
because something is always due in the near future.
These frequent assignments also assure that we students are learning more throughout the semester. For
example, if each small assignment covers one chapter from the textbook, then my classmates and I will
read each assigned chapter because we must. A test or new assignment is always around the corner to
check our work. But such specific studying isn’t really necessary if we don’t even turn anything in until
midway through the semester. Certain chapters might get skimmed or even skipped out of perceived
unimportance. Maybe we save time, but we are receiving less information overall, which isn’t good.
Finally, having only a few large assignments can be tremendously stressful. I’m always well aware that
doing poorly on an essay could result in me failing the entire class if the essay is worth a large
percentage of my overall grade. This can have a nearly paralyzing effect on my work because the
pressure is just too much. Nothing I do seems good enough when the assignment is that important.
Having several smaller assignments is much more pleasant because I know it isn’t the end of the world
if something goes wrong with one of them. My grade won’t be affected too terribly. I’m then more
confident and at ease in my work.
That is why I much prefer having my grade determined by several small assignments instead of a few
large assignments. I’m not allowed to procrastinate, I engage more with the subject matter over the
course of the semester, and I’m not overwhelmed with stress because of massively important assignments.