1. These are the instructions and special terms you will come across in your work as a student.

2. The use of these terms may vary slightly from one subject to another.

3. You should study them carefully, and learn what they mean.

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account for
Explain the reasons for, giving an indication of all relevant circumstances. Not to be confused with 'Give an account of' which asks only for a detailed description.

analyse
Study in depth, identifying and describing in detail the main characteristics.

argue
Put forward a proposition, then illustrate it, discuss its significance, and defend it against possible counter-charges, maybe for and/or against some given point of view.

assess
Examine closely, with a view to 'weighing up' a particular situation. Consider in a balanced way the strengths and weaknesses or points for and against a proposition. In conclusion, state your judgement clearly.

comment
State clearly and in moderate fashion your opinions on the material in question. Support your views with reference to suitable evidence or explanations.

compare
Identify the characteristics or qualities two or more things have in common - but probably pointing out their differences as well.

contrast
Deliberately single out and emphasise the differences and dissimilarities between two or more things - but possibly pointing out any similarities as well.

criticise
Give your judgement about a statement or a body of work; explore its implications, discussing all the evidence which is available. Be specific in your examination.

define
Set down the precise meaning of something. Be prepared to state the limits of the definition. Take note of multiple meanings if they exist.

describe
Give a detailed and comprehensive account of.

discuss
Investigate and examine by careful argument. Explore the implications and the advantages or disadvantages. Debate the case and possibly consider any alternatives. This is probably the most common instruction term. It is inviting you to say something interesting in response to the topic in question. You can usually choose your own approach.

enumerate
List some relevant items, possibly in continuous prose (rather than note form) - and perhaps describe them as well.

evaluate
Make an appraisal of the worth of something in the light of its truth or utility. Emphasise the views of authorities as well as your personal estimation.

explain
Make plain. Account for. Clarify, interpret, and spell out the material you present, giving reasons for important features or developments.

how far ...
Similar to questions which begin 'To what extent...'. You are expected to make your case or present your argument, whilst showing an awareness that alternate or even contradictory explanations may exist. Careful assessment and weighing of evidence are called for.

identify
Pick out what you regard as the key features of something, perhaps making clear the criteria you use in doing so.

illustrate
Make clear and explicit by the discussion of concrete examples.

interpret
Clarify or explain something, perhaps indicating how the thing relates to some other thing or way of looking at things.

justify
Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions. Answer or refute the main objections likely to be made against them.

list
Like enumerate, but possibly even in note form and probably without any need to describe.

outline
Give the main features or the general principles of a subject, omitting minor details and emphasising structure or arrangement.

prove
Demonstrate the truth of something by offering irrefutable evidence and/or a logical sequence of statements leading from evidence to conclusion.

relate
Show how things are connected, and how they possibly affect, cause, or resemble each other.

review
Make a survey of, examining the subject critically.

state
Present the main points of an idea or topic in brief, clear form.

summarise
Give a concise account of the main points of a matter, omitting details and examples.

trace
Identify the connection between one thing and another either in a developmental sense over a period of time, or else in a cause-and-effect sense. May imply both describe and explain.

 

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