A common interpretation of the clue “Short assignment” is an essay. Essays are brief pieces of writing that express an author’s perspective on a particular topic. They are often assigned in academic writing as a way for students to articulate their thoughts concisely.
Task: Another suitable answer might be “task.” Tasks are assignments given to individuals to complete within a specific timeframe. Depending on the crossword context, they can range from short and simple to more complex.
Project: In some cases, crossword enthusiasts might find “project” to be a fitting answer. While projects are generally associated with larger endeavors, the term can be used in a crossword puzzle to represent a more minor, short-term assignment,