When writing an essay for an exam, pay particular attention to the words that are being used in the exam question. Understanding these words will allow you to provide the information your instructor is looking for as well as how to craft your answer.
| Analyze: Break into separate parts and discuss, examine, or interpret each part. | Illustrate: Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples.
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| Contrast: Show differences. Set in opposition. Compare: Examine two or more things. Identify similarities and differences. | Interpret: Comment upon, give examples, describe relationships. Explain the meaning. Describe, then evaluate.
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| Criticize: Make judgments. Evaluate comparative worth. Criticism often involves analysis. If any of these terms are still unclear to you, go to an unabridged dictionary. Thorough knowledge of these words helps you give the teacher what he/she is requesting.
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Outline: Describe main ideas, characteristics, or events. (Does not necessarily mean to write a Roman Numeral/Letter outline.)
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| Define: Give the meaning; usually a meaning specific to the course or subject. Explain the exact meaning. Definitions are usually short. | Prove: Support with facts (especially facts presented in class or in the text.) |
| Describe: Give a detailed account. Make a picture with words. List characteristics, qualities, and parts.
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Relate: Show the connections between ideas or events. Provide a larger context.
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| Discuss: Consider and debate or argue about the pros and cons of an issue. Write about any conflict. Compare and contrast.
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State: Explain precisely.
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| Enumerate: List several ideas, aspects, events, things, qualities, reasons, etc.
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Summarize: Give a brief, condensed account. Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details.
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| Evaluate: Give your opinion or cite the opinion of an expert. Include evidence to support the evaluation.
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Trace: Show the order of events or progress of a subject or event.
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| Explain: Make an idea clear. Show logically how a concept is developed. Give the reason for an event.
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Source:
Ellis, D. (1998). Becoming a Master Student. Houghton Mifflin: Boston
