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Analysing an assignment question activity

Understand the question terms

Do you know what the words mean in your question? Here are some common instruction words used and their meanings.

Words What do they mean?
Account for Explain, clarify, give reasons for. (This is different from 'Give an account of' which is more like 'tell the story' or 'describe');
Analyse

Break an issue down into its component parts, discuss them and show how they are related to each other.

Argue

Make a case for or against a point of view. Give evidence to support your arguments.

Compare and contrast

Identify the characteristics or qualities between one or more things that are the same or different.

Critique

Give your ideas about the merit or truth of something. Write about both the limitations and the good points.

Define

Provide the precise meaning of the word or phrase. Give the limits or the boundaries of the definition.

Describe

Give a detailed account of the different aspects of the topic.

Discuss

Consider the different sides and aspects of a question or problem and come to a conclusion.

Evaluate

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of something.

Examine

Present the main ideas in depth and investigate the implications.

Explain

Make the meaning clear looking at reasons, causes and effects.

Identify

Point out and describe.

Justify

Prove or give reasons for conclusions or decisions.

Outline

Give the essential features, showing main points and important subordinate points. Leave out minor details.

Relate

Show or make a connection between two or more things.

Summarise

Examine the main points concisely.

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