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DAILY
CLASS NOTES
Sociology
Answer Writing Session
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Answer Writing Session
Meaning : Key Words
Term Meanings
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 as to how and why something happens
Discuss Essentially this is 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.
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 in a particular context. Your
writing should have clarity so that complex procedures or sequences of
events can be understood; defining key terms where appropriate, and
be substantiated with relevant research.
Elaborate To give in more detail, provide more information on. Illustrate A similar
instruction to ‘explain’ whereby you are asked to show the workings of
something, making use of definite examples and statistics if appropriate
to add weight to your explanation.
Demonstrate Show how, with examples to illustrate and build a strong case using
evidence and facts and arrive at a logical conclusion.
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 interrelated to one another.
Contrast Similar to compare but concentrate on the dissimilarities between two
or more phenomena, or what sets them apart. Point out any
differences which are particularly significant
Compare Identify the similarities and differences between two or more
phenomena. Say if any of the shared similarities or differences are more
important than others.
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Illustrate A similar instruction to ‘explain’ whereby you are asked to show the
workings of something, making use of definite examples and statistics
if appropriate to add weight to your explanation. It can be given
through use of graphs, diagrams, figures, flow charts etc
Summarise You need to give a summary of the topic that is being asked.
Outline You need to focus on major points and not minor points in the answer.
Substantiate To provide evidence to the arguments.
Identify/ Trace Write the answer in a point wise manner.
State/ Throw The answer has to be objective and not overly descriptive. Be specific
light on and mention the key aspects about the topic.
Explore To discover the evidence and discover the unknown. It means use of the
knowledge to apply to areas which justify the context of the question.
Clarify/ To explain the concept in a simplified manner it has to be structured
Elucidate which could be easily comprehended.
Enumerate / To provide an answer in a point wise format.
Enlist
Contrast/ / Enlist the differences between the terms asked in the question.
Differentiate/
Distinguish
