Essay Question Instruction Words: Glossary

Instruction Word Suggested Approach

Analyse Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting
arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate.
Clarify Literally, make something clearer and, where appropriate, simplify it. This could involve, for
example, explaining in simpler terms a complex process or theory, or the relationship
between two variables.
Comment upon Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, reinforcing your point of view
using logic and reference to relevant evidence, including any wider reading you have done.
Compare/contrast: Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of the
shared similarities or differences are more important than others. ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’
will often feature together in an essay question.
Consider Say what you think and have observed about something. Back up your comments using
appropriate evidence from external sources, or your own experience. Include any views
which are contrary to your own and how they relate to what you originally thought.
Critically evaluate Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of research are
true, or to what extent you agree with them. Provide evidence taken from a wide range of
sources which both agree with and contradict an argument. Come to a conclusion, based on
what you judge to be the most important factors why.
Define To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any problems posed
with the definition and different interpretations that may exist.
Describe Provide a detailed explanation of the processes behind how and why something happens.
Discuss A written debate where you are using your skill at reasoning, backed up by carefully selected
evidence to make a case for and against an argument, or point out the advantages and
disadvantages of a given context. Remember to arrive at a conclusion
Examine Look in detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic. Offer
reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the most important, as well as
explain the different ways they could be construed.
Explain Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or what is meant by
the use of this term. Write clearly, so that complex concepts can be understood, define key
terms where appropriate and substantiate with relevant research.
Illustrate Similar to ‘explain’, whereby you are asked to show the workings of something, making use
of examples and statistics if appropriate to add weight to your explanation.
Interpret Demonstrate your understanding of an issue or topic. This can be the use of particular
terminology by an author, or what the findings from a piece of research suggest to you. In
the latter instance, comment on any significant patterns and causal relationships.
Justify Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas and points of view. In
order to present a balanced argument, consider opinions that may run contrary to your own
before stating your conclusion.
Outline Convey the main points placing emphasis on global structures and interrelationships rather
than minute detail.
Review Look thoroughly into a subject. This should be a critical assessment and not merely
descriptive.
State To specify in clear terms the key aspects pertaining to a topic without being overly
descriptive. Refer to evidence and examples where appropriate.
Summarise Give a condensed version drawing out the main facts and omit superfluous information. Brief
or general examples will normally suffice for this kind of answer
To what extent This type of question calls for a thorough assessment of the evidence in presenting your
argument. Explore alternative explanations where they exist.

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