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list_submissions

Read-only

Retrieve all submissions for a Canvas assignment. Filter by student ids, workflow state, or grading period; include comments, history, rubric, or user data.

Instructions

List all submissions for an assignment. Use include to attach user, assignment, rubric_assessment, submission_history, or visibility. Filter with student_ids, workflow_state, or grading_period_id. Defaults to including submission_comments.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
course_idYesThe Canvas course ID
assignment_idYesThe Canvas assignment ID
includeNoExtra fields to include (Canvas include[] param). Defaults to ["submission_comments"] when omitted.
student_idsNoRestrict to submissions for these user IDs. Use "all" or "self" for shortcuts.
section_idsNoRestrict to submissions in these sections
groupedNoReturn one submission per group rather than per student
workflow_stateNoOnly include submissions in this workflow state
grading_period_idNoRestrict to a grading period
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already mark the tool as read-only and open-world. The description adds context about default includes and filtering options, consistent with annotations and no contradictions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two sentences, front-loading the main purpose and efficiently covering key usage details without fluff. Every sentence serves a purpose.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 8 parameters and no output schema, the description covers the main usage (listing with includes and filters). While pagination is not mentioned, it is standard for list endpoints. The openWorldHint annotation implies response variation, so lack of explicit return format is acceptable.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, baseline 3. The description adds value by stating the default for 'include' (submission_comments) and clarifying the purpose of include and filters, which goes beyond the schema descriptions.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'List' and resource 'all submissions for an assignment', distinguishing it from siblings like 'get_submission' (single) or 'list_quiz_submissions' (different resource).

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explains how to use the tool (with include, filters) but does not explicitly compare to alternatives like get_submission for single submissions. However, the purpose is clear enough for an agent to infer usage context.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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