Command Terms

Question 1

Analyze

Answer 1

Break the concept/idea down to its essential elements or structure

Question 2

Compare

Answer 2

Given an account of the similarities between two or more things

Question 3

Contrast

Answer 3

Give an account of the differences between two or more things

Question 4

Define

Answer 4

Give the precise meaning of something

Question 5

Describe

Answer 5

Give a detailed account of something

Question 6

Discuss

Answer 6

A balanced review that includes a range of arguments and conclusions

Question 7

Distinguish

Answer 7

Illuminate key differences between two or more things

Question 8

Evaluate/Assess

Answer 8

Weigh the strengths and limitations of something

Question 9

Examine

Answer 9

What are underlying assumptions here?

Question 10

Explain

Answer 10

Give a detailed account of something( include reasons or causes)

Question 11

Identify

Answer 11

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities

Question 12

Justify

Answer 12

Give evidence for why something is the case

Question 13

To what extent

Answer 13

How/why is x the case? How/why is x not the case?

Question 14

Context

Answer 14

Moods, attitudes, and conditions of a certain time( I.e. the setting).

Question 15

Cause and effects

Answer 15

Possible connections between events

Question 16

Continuity and change

Answer 16

The way things change and stay the same over time