Task words
Analyse
Break up into parts; investigate
Comment on:
Identify and write about the main issues; give your reactions based on what you’ve read/heard in lectures. Avoid just personal opinion.
Compare
Look for the similarities between two things. Show the relevance or consequences of these similarities concluding which is preferable.
Contrast
Identify the differences between two items or arguments. Show whether the differences are significant. Perhaps give reasons why one is preferable.
Criticise
Requires an answer that points out mistakes or weaknesses, and which also indicates any favourable aspects of the subject of the question. It requires a balanced answer.
Critically evaluate
Weigh arguments for and against something, assessing the strength of the evidence on both sides. Use criteria to guide your assessment of which opinions, theories, models or items are preferable. Define Give the exact meaning of. Where relevant, show you understand how the definition may be problematic.
Describe
Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens or happened.
Discuss
Investigate or examine by argument; sift and debate; give reasons for and against; examine the implications.
Evaluate
Assess and give your judgement about the merit, importance or usefulness of something using evidence to support your argument Examine Look closely into something
Explain
Make clear why something happens, or is the way it is; interpret and account for; give reasons for
Explore
Examine thoroughly; consider from a variety of viewpoints Illustrate Make something clear and explicit, giving examples of evidence. Justify Give evidence that supports an argument or idea; show why a decision or conclusions were made
Outline
Give the main points/features/general principles; show the main structure and interrelations; omit details and examples State Give the main features briefly and clearly Summarise Draw out the main points only; omit details and examples
To what extent…
Consider how far something is true, or contributes to a final outcome. Consider also ways in which it is not true
Adapted from University of Leicester. (2011) Learning Development, Essay Terms Explained.
Available at: www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/resources/writing/writing-resources/essay-terms (Accessed 29 August 2013)