Items for credit, extra credit, or practice

Updated 17 May 2023

Your instructor controls the number of points each assignment item is worth. When you open an assignment, you can quickly see whether its items are for credit (whether for regular credit or for extra credit) or for practice (no point value).

As you complete items: A Score column appears on the assignment summary page with your item scores, usually shown as a percentage.

  • When you open an assignment, its assignment summary page shows the points you can earn for each regular for-credit item, such as "2 pts". For details about extra credit items, see the next section.
  • To complete the assignment, you must complete ALL of its for-credit items by either submitting a correct answer, running out of answer attempts, or requesting the answer. You can gain partial credit for any item part questions you answer correctly.
  • When you open an assignment, its assignment summary page shows whether any items are for extra-credit followed by its point value, such as “Extra Credit (1 pt)”.
  • You can't lose points for completing extra credit items. They're always worth doing.
  • If there are only extra credit items in the assignment, it's considered as an extra credit assignment. (The Notes column on the Scores page also indicates when an assignment is for extra credit.) To complete the extra credit assignment, you must complete ALL of its extra credit items. You can gain partial credit for any item part questions you answer correctly.
  • When you open an assignment, its assignment summary page shows whether items are for practice followed by its point value, such as “Practice (0 pts)”.
  • Your instructor can see your work on all items, even if it’s a practice item.
  • If you’re pressed for time by the assignment due date, you may be tempted to skip practice items with no point value. However, items for practice can help you to complete items for credit later.

Besides credit you earn on assignment items, your instructor may choose to give students more credit by making a grade adjustment for an assignment. This might happen if there's a technical issue with the assignment, some assigned material wasn't covered in class, or in some other situation.