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The first step in creating an assignment is choosing the type of work you’re grading. This determines the setup flow and how GradingPal processes student submissions.

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Starting a New Assignment

1

Open Your Class

Open your class from the teacher dashboard
2

Click New Assignment

Click New Assignment
3

Choose Type

You’ll see the assignment type selection screen
New Assignment button on class page

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Assignment Types

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Writing & Multi-Media

These types focus on open-ended, creative, or analytical work where students express ideas in their own way.
TypeBest ForExamples
✍️ Writing & EssaysWritten work of any kindEssays, research papers, reflections, creative writing, short answers, reports
🎬 Video & AudioRecorded submissionsVideo presentations, podcasts, speeches, music compositions, oral exams
📊 PresentationsVisual slide-based workSlideshows, pitch decks, exit tickets, visual project presentations
🎨 Art & DesignCreative visual workIllustrations, graphic design, photography, digital art, posters
Setup flow: Import an existing assignment or generate one with AI, then create a rubric and configure feedback settings.

Set Up Writing & Multi-Media Assignments

Learn how to configure these assignment types

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Structured Assignments

These types have defined questions with specific answers. GradingPal uses AI to extract questions from your document and generate rubrics automatically.
TypeBest ForExamples
📋 ExamsComprehensive assessmentsMidterms, finals, unit tests, standardized test practice
🔢 Problem SetsStep-by-step solutionsMath homework, physics problems, chemistry calculations, coding exercises
❓ QuizzesQuick knowledge checksPop quizzes, reading checks, vocabulary tests, concept reviews
📄 WorksheetsStructured practiceFill-in-the-blank, labeling diagrams, matching exercises, guided practice
Supported question types:

Objective Questions

  • Multiple choice and multiple select
  • True/False
  • Fill in the blank
  • Matching
  • Ordering/sequencing

Written & Calculation

  • Short answer and extended response (essay)
  • Numerical/calculation problems
  • Mathematical proofs and derivations
  • Code/programming questions
  • Diagram-based questions
Setup flow: Upload your existing assignment as a PDF, and AI will extract questions and generate rubrics for each one.

Set Up Structured Assignments

Learn how to configure these assignment types

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Choosing the Right Type

If students are…Choose
Writing essays, reports, or creative pieces✍️ Writing & Essays
Recording videos or audio🎬 Video & Audio
Creating slideshows or visual presentations📊 Presentations
Making artwork, designs, or visual projects🎨 Art & Design
Answering questions on an exam📋 Exams
Solving math or science problems🔢 Problem Sets
Completing a short assessment❓ Quizzes
Filling out a structured document📄 Worksheets

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Can I Change the Type Later?

Assignment type cannot be changed once you complete the setup wizard. If you selected the wrong type, you’ll need to create a new assignment.
You can navigate back during the wizard setup process before clicking Finish Setup, but once the assignment is created, the type is locked.

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Pro Tips

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Writing is designed for single-task assignments

The Writing & Essays type works best for assignments with one main task (e.g., “Write an essay about…”). If your assignment has multiple distinct questions or tasks—even if they involve writing—consider using Worksheets or Quizzes instead. These structured types let you configure different question types (short answer, extended response, etc.) and grade each question separately. Example:
AssignmentRecommended Type
Single essay prompt✍️ Writing & Essays
Reading comprehension with 5 short-answer questions📄 Worksheet or ❓ Quiz
Test with a mix of multiple choice and essay questions📋 Exam

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Choose Structured for answer-key grading

If your assignment has specific correct answers (even partial credit scenarios), Structured Assignment types will give you more control. You can add answer keys and configure exactly how each question should be scored.

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Coming Soon

📁 Portfolios - Collections of work demonstrating skills, growth, and achievements. Join the waitlist to be notified when this type becomes available.
Assignment type selection grid