Term Definition
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 to one another.
Assess Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader
of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember
to point out any flaws and counter-arguments as well. Conclude
by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original
proposition.
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 Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion,
upon reinforcing your point of view using logic and reference to
relevant evidence, including any wider reading you have done.
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. ‘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.
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.
Critically Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within
evaluate 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
final conclusion, basing your decision on what you judge to be
the most important factors and justify how you have made your
choice.
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.
Demonstrate Show how, with examples to illustrate.
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.
Elaborate To give in more detail, provide more information on.
Evaluate See the explanation for ‘critically evaluate’.
Examine Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important
issues surrounding a topic. This should be a critical evaluation
and you should try and 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 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.
Explore Adopt a questioning approach and consider a variety of different
viewpoints. Where possible reconcile opposing views by
presenting a final line of argument.
Give an Means give a detailed description of something. Not to be
account of confused with ‘account for’ which asks you not only what, but
why something happened.
Identify Determine what the key points to be addressed are and
implications thereof.
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.
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 which 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.
Show how Present, in a logical order, and with reference to relevant
evidence the stages and combination of factors that give rise to
something.
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 Evokes a similar response to questions containing 'How far...'.
extent This type of question calls for a thorough assessment of the
evidence in presenting your argument. Explore alternative
explanations where they exist.
