Assignment direction words
Text version
Assignment direction words
Below is an explanation of the key words commonly used in assignment questions.
These explanations are intended as a guide only. There are not always hard distinctions between the words, and different academics may use them to mean slightly different things.
| ANALYSE | Identify the elements of an argument, text, issue, process or event and show how they are related. |
|---|---|
| ARGUE | Present the case for and/or against a particular proposition. |
| COMMENT ON | Point out the important features, criticise. |
| COMPARE | Identify and explain similarities and differences. |
| CONTRAST | Stress the differences between two or more things. |
| CRITICISE | Judge the merit or truth of the factors or views mentioned, including both strengths and weaknesses. |
| CRITICALLY… | Used to add direction to another direction word (e.g. “critically analyse”), this means approaching the task in a questioning way: “How does this work?” “Why is it like this?” “What are its strengths and weaknesses?” |
| DEFINE | Provide concise, clear, and authoritative meanings. Give the limits of the definition, but omit detailed explanations. Show how the item defined differs from items in other classes. |
| DESCRIBE | Recount, characterise, outline, and relate in sequence. |
| DIAGRAM | A drawing, chart, plan, or graph. Diagrams should be labelled and there should be an accompanying explanation. |
| DISCUSS | Examine, analyse carefully, and give reasons for and against. Be complete and give details, usually with a view to assessing how satisfactory something is. |
| EVALUATE | Appraise in relation to some standard, referring to advantages, limitations, and costs and benefits as Appropriate. |
| EXAMINE | Investigate critically, appraise a subject in detail. |
| EXPLAIN | Clarify, interpret, and elaborate on the material presented. Give reasons for differences of opinion or results, and try to analyse causes. |
| ILLUSTRATE | Use a concrete example, diagram, or figure to explain or clarify a problem. |
| INDICATE | Identify, then focus attention so as to clarify. |
| JUSTIFY | Prove or give reasons for conclusions or decisions. |
| OUTLINE | Present the essential features, showing main points and subordinate points. Omit minor details. |
| REVIEW | Examine a subject critically, analysing and commenting on the important or controversial statements. |
| STATE | Present the main points in a brief and clear sequence, usually omitting details or examples. |
| SUMMARISE | Give the main points or facts in condensed form. |