How to Break Down Big Assignments Without the Stress

Big assignments can feel overwhelming — and that's often why students put them off until the last minute. The trick is to break the project into smaller, manageable steps.

Start by reading the assignment instructions carefully and highlighting key requirements. Then, divide the work into stages: research, planning, drafting, editing, and final review. Set a mini deadline for each stage, so you make steady progress instead of leaving everything until the night before it's due.

Working in smaller chunks not only makes assignments less stressful but also leads to better-quality work. You have more time to think critically, find stronger evidence, and polish your writing before submission.