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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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