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 Keywords
 
     

Here are some key or action words to consider as you try to understand the essay question. Click on the menu above and it will take you to a section of the particular word:

  • Account
    Explain why something is like it is
  • Assess
    Give a skilled weighed argument of a situation
  • Analyse
    Give a detailed examination, breaking parts down and give a methodical and logical answer.
  • Argue
    Present your opinion and then through reasoning defend with examples
  • Comment on
    Give a view as well as a presentation of information
  • Compare
    Present similarities and differences
  • Contrast
  • Present the differences only

  • Consider
    Engage with the issues involved
    Top
  • Criticise
    Point out mistakes or weaknesses and point out any favourable aspect of the subject in question. Give a critical analysis (not about being negative)
  • Differentiate
    Present the differences between two things
  • Define
    Explain the precise meaning of a concept
  • Describe
    Give a detailed description of something
  • Discuss
    Give arguments for and against a situation or explain an item or concept and give details about it with supporting information, examples for and against and also explanations for the fact presented. This is one of the not so easy essays.
  • Top 

  • Enumerate
    Go through the arguments one at a time, possibly numbering them
  • Evaluate
    Give a qualitative judgment of the argument presented by either "pro" or "contra" ( for or against) the subject under discussion.

 

  • Explain
    Give a detailed and exact explanation of ideas or principle. This should be simple and straightforward in displaying knowledge
  • Illustrate
    Use a figure or diagram to explain or clarify, or make clear and explicit.

  • Interpret
  • Be straightforward and clear in translating and developing something
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  • Justify
    Offer practical and concrete examples to demonstrate or prove the subject of the question

  • Outline
    Ignore details in presenting an argument or principles of a subject
  • Prove/Disprove
    Give convincing or demonstrate the logical arguments for holding a position . Prove requires the "pro" points and disprove requires the"contra" points.
  • Reconcile
    Bring oppositional points together

  • Relate
    Show the connections between various views or matters

  • Review
    Bring forward a critical survey of existing material

  • Show
    Give the arguments and examples for holding a position.This requires an answer that expresses the relevant points briefly and clearly without lengthy discussions or minor details.

  • State
    Lay out matters clearly and concisely

  • Summarise/Outline
    Bring together the substance/ only the main points of a concern and leave out details

  • Trace
    Give a historical analysis or follow step by step. This requires one to state and give a brief description in a logical or chronological order of stages in the development of e.g. a process or theory etc.

 
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