What do these instructions mean?

ok so i have to cook quickbread for my class and im making pumpkin gingerbread and the recipie calls for 3 cup sugar it doesnt say white or brown what do i use? i cant make any misktake it for my class and im being marked. when a recipie just says sugar does it usually mean normal sugar or brown. also the recipie says to add water but doesnt say if i need to add hot warm or cold water what do i use. also when im mixing the ingredients in a bowl do i use a plastic one or glass. i heard its better to use glass. also it says to beat mixture i dont have a eletric mixer can i use a whisk?