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DIRECTIVE
WORDS
« Break an issue into its constituent
parts.
+ Look in depth at cach part using
supporting arguments & evidence for &
against + interrelation,
* Answer must be concluded by
addressing the central idea of the topic.
CLARIFY
= Literally clarily something, where
appropriate- make it simple.
* This could involve, for example,
explaining in simpler terms a complex
process/ theory or the relationship between
two variables.
+ Bg.- what is tween balance sheet
syndrome: explain in such a language that
anyone can understand.
COMPARE
= Identify the similarities & differences
between two/ more events.
+ Say if any of the shared similarities/
differences are more important than
others,
+ Compare & contrast will often feature
together in an essay question.
ADMIRE IAS
CRITICALLY
ANALYSE
+ You need to investigate & explain the
nature of definitions or concept of a
question/ topic & explain the way they are
interrelated.
* Ieinclude a vast discussion of pros & cons,
strength & weakness of definition &
concepts.
+ Support the argument by providing
supporting evidence.
COMMENT
UPON
* You'll have to give your opinion by picking
out the main points ona subject.
+ Reapply your point using logic &
reference for relevant evidence, including
any comprehensive reading you have done
+ Your opinion may be for or against, but
you must back your argument with,
evidences.
* Say what you think & have observed about
something.Back up your comments using
appropriate evidence from external sources.
+ Include any views which are contrary to your
‘own & how they relate to what you originally
thought.
+ For example, consider the following
statement: Neharu made mistake by rising
the issue of kashmir to the United Nations.DIRECTIVE
WORDS
ADMIRE IAS
Similar to compare but focus on
inequalities between two/ more
phenomena/ what differentiates them.
* Point out any differences which are
particularly important,
STATE
* Specifying key aspects of a topic in
clear terms without being explicitly
descriptive.
* Where appropriate,refer to evidence
examples
SHOW HOW
+ Present, in a logical order ,& with
reference to
= Relevant evidence the stages &
combination of factors that give rise to
something.
JUSTIFY
* Create a case by providing a body of
evidence to support your ideas &
perspectives.
+ To present a balanced argument, consider
opinions that may contradict wour own,
before standing your conclusion.
DEFINE
= To give the meaning of an object in
precise terms.
+ Take into account any problems with
definition & various interpretations.
SUMMARISE
+ Give a short version illustrating the
main facts & omit superfluous
information.
+ Briei/ general examples would
normally suffice for such an answer
+ A similar instruction to'explain'
whereby you are asked to show the
working of something.
* If appropriate use examples & statics
to add weight to your explanation.
EXPLORE
* Adopt a questioning approach &
consider different perspective.
Where possible reconcile opposing
views by presenting a final
argument.DIRECTIVE worps | {4 .
IDENTIFY
= Determine which key point are to
be addressed & what are its
implications
* To provide a lot of detail &
information on a topic/ argument.
OUTLINE REVIEW
ing + Look thoroughly in to a subject. This
should be a critical assessment & not
merely descriptive.
" Convey the key points emphasi
global structures & relationships rather
than minute detail.
DEMONSTRATE
+ Show how , with examples to + Give a detailed explanation as to
illustrate. how & why something happened.
CRITICALLY GIVE AN
DISCUSS ACCOUNT OF
. erson tras: ive his/her point of view * Means. a detailed description of
Ape has to give his/her peint of vis Bakers
regarding the question
* Also , discuss the points of criticism
regarding the concept, a
* Don't be confused with'account for” which
ask you not only what, but why somethingDIRECTIVE
a)
WORDS
* Demonstrate your understanding of an
issue/ topic.
* It may be the use of special terminology by
an author, or what the findings from a place
of research suggest to you.
+ In the latter instance, comment on any
significant patterns & causal relationships.
CRITICALLY
EXAMINE
ighlights negativity &
positivity.
+ Examine both sides of the coin,
* End with a balanced conclusion.
DISCUSS
+ Essentially this is a written debate whore
you are using your skill at reasoning, backed
up by carefully selected evidence to make a
case for & against an argument.
* Or states the advantage & disadvantage of a
given context,
* Don't forget to conclude your answer.
Examine
* Look closely & establish the key facts &
important issues surrounding a topic.
* This should be a critical assessment & you
should try to find out facts & issues you have
identit
ed are the most important ones.
* And at the same time exy
ways they can be constructed.
in the various
TO WHAT
EXTENT
+ Evoke a similar response to questions
containing’ how far...
+ This type of questions calls tor deeper
evaluation of the evidence in presenting your
argument.
+ Explore alternative explanation where they
exist.
* Break the statement/ topic into
paragraph of positive/ negative aspect.
End with a comment on why you think it
is worthy or unworthyDIRECTIVE WORDS
ADMIRE IAS
* (By using critically, Examiner expected a
unbiased decision) to what extent a
statement/findings within a piece of
research is correct, or what extent you
agree with them , give your verdict...
* Provide a evidence derived from a wide
range of sources that agree & contradict an
argument.
= Come to a final conclusion, based on your
decision on what is the most important
factor, & explain how you have made your
choice.
ASSESS
+ Weigh up to what extent something is
true.
* Convince the reader of your argument
by citing relevant research, but at the
same time remember to point out any
Hlows & counter- arguments.
+ Conclude by stating clearly how far you
are in agreement with the original
proposition.
Bg.- India has become a plutocracy.
* Clarity a topic by giving a detailed account as to how & why it occur /
what is meant by the use of this term in a particular context.
* There should be clarity in your writing so that complex processes /
sequences of events can be understood,
* Defining the key terms where appropriate & be substantiated with
relevant research.
+ Eg.- explain why air quality of Delhi is so poor.