Directive Word What the Answer Should Contain
A clear, precise meaning of the term or concept,
possibly mentioning di erent perspectives or
Define
ambiguities if contested. Include examples for clarity
but keep it concise without unnecessary elaboration.
A detailed account of the main characteristics,
features, or components of the topic in an objective
Describe manner. List salient points, provide an overview, and
use examples if needed, but avoid analysis or
judgment.
In-depth details and information on the topic or
argument, expanding with examples, arguments, and
Elaborate
explanations to provide depth and clarity. Structure
logically to build on the basic idea.
A clear breakdown of the concept, process, or
phenomenon, defining key terms, describing how or
Explain why it occurs, and using examples or evidence for
illustration. Make it accessible as if explaining to a
novice.
A brief, organized description of the main features or
structure of the topic. Provide key points in a
Outline
structured format, focusing on the framework without
deep details.
A concise presentation of the main points or essential
Summarize elements of the topic, omitting minor details. Focus on
brevity while covering critical aspects.
A chronological or sequential account of the
development or progress of the topic, including key
Trace
milestones, causes, e ects, and significant events.
Ensure a logical narrative flow.
State/Throw light on Key facts, aspects, or information about the topic
presented clearly and concisely. Refer to evidence or
Directive Word What the Answer Should Contain
examples where appropriate, but keep it factual
without deep analysis.
Examples, evidence, diagrams, or case studies to
clarify or demonstrate the concept. Use real-world
Illustrate
instances, statistics, or visuals to support and explain
points.
A point-wise list of details, provisions, or elements
related to the topic. Include brief explanations or
Enumerate
analysis for each point, addressing how they relate to
the overall theme.
Emphasis on the key or most important aspects of the
topic. Point out significant features, implications, or
Highlight
examples, often in a focused manner to draw attention
to specifics.
The main ideas, locations, characteristics, or issues
related to the topic, described coherently and
Identify
specifically. Stick to the keyword and provide relevant
details without broadening too much.
Evidence, examples, and logical arguments to show
validity or support a point. For demonstrate, build a
Demonstrate/Substantiate
case; for substantiate, reinforce an established idea
without debate.
An assessment of positive and negative aspects
Estimate without exact measurements. Discuss pros and cons
objectively, but avoid a definitive conclusion.
An objective overview of all viewpoints or perspectives
on the topic, examining composite parts with a
Explore
questioning approach. Maintain neutrality and provide
a nuanced account.
Clarify/Elucidate Clear explanations, often simplifying complex ideas,
bringing out cause-e ect linkages, or resolving
Directive Word What the Answer Should Contain
confusion with evidence, examples, and facts. Ensure
the topic becomes understandable.
A detailed, factual description of events, facts, or
aspects of the topic. Cover key details
Give an account of
comprehensively, focusing on narrative or overview
without analysis.
Clear reasons or explanations for why something
Account for happened or exists, supported by evidence. Similar to
explain but focused on causation.
A breakdown of the topic into constituent parts,
examining each in depth with supporting arguments,
Analyse
evidence for and against, and insights. Conclude with
an overall assessment.
Similar to analyse, but with a critical lens, evaluating
Critically Analyse merits and demerits, strengths and weaknesses, and
providing a balanced judgment backed by evidence.
A balanced presentation of arguments on both sides,
covering positives/negatives, causes/consequences,
Discuss
and solutions. Include examples and conclude with a
holistic view.
Similar to discuss, but with careful reasoning and
Discuss Critically critical evaluation throughout. Ensure arguments are
well-supported and the conclusion is reasoned.
A deep probe into the topic, detailing causes,
Examine implications, and way forward. Provide structured
analysis with supporting details.
Detailed analysis including strengths, weaknesses,
causes, consequences, implications, and actions.
Critically Examine
Maintain objectivity without taking sides in the
conclusion.
Directive Word What the Answer Should Contain
An assessment of both sides, mentioning worthiness
or usefulness, with positive and negative aspects.
Evaluate
Conclude with a remark on value based on the
analysis.
Similar to evaluate, but emphasize the value of the
Critically Evaluate topic, leaning towards positives or negatives as
appropriate, with critical insights.
Your opinion or position on the topic, justified with
Comment arguments, facts, and examples. Structure with
introduction, body (arguments), and conclusion.
Critically Both sides of the argument with examples, positives
Comment/Comment first then negatives. Provide a balanced view and
Critically conclude without strong bias.
Arguments and evidence in favor of a position or
Justify statement, building a strong case with logical
reasoning and examples to defend it.
A persuasive presentation of a viewpoint, supported by
Argue evidence and reasoning. Similar to justify but may
involve debating against counterpoints.
An evaluation of the merits, importance, or impact of
Assess the topic, weighing pros and cons with evidence.
Provide a balanced judgment.
A critical appraisal or examination of the topic,
Review discussing developments, strengths, weaknesses, and
suggestions for improvement.
Similarities and di erences between two or more
Compare items, structured point-by-point or by discussing one
then the other. Use evidence to highlight key aspects.
Directive Word What the Answer Should Contain
Focus on di erences between items, explaining why
Contrast they exist and their implications. Avoid mere listing;
provide analysis.
Key di erences between concepts or topics, with clear
Distinguish/Di erentiate
explanations and examples to illustrate distinctions.
An evaluation of how far a statement or idea is true,
To what extent discussing agreeing and disagreeing aspects with
evidence. Conclude with the degree of validity.
Your opinion on a statement, with arguments for and
Do you agree against, but ultimately stating agreement or
disagreement backed by reasoning.
