For those who have written level one already/before written, otherwise, already, periods

hinsafdar

How clear are they usually when it comes to compounding/stating rates? What I mean is how explicit are they when it comes to things such as semi/annual compounding.
Some sources say assume semi for bonds unless otherwise stated, some say assume annual unless otherwise stated….
and
Spot rates/forwards; are they assumed as yearly/annual or in a composition where stated rate = annual, but 1 year consist of 2 periods? (so /2)

dece2011

The question should make it pretty clear.