Essay questions

Question 1

Analyse

Answer 1

requires you to give reasons, interpret, compare, contrast, define, evaluate, or interpret.

Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another.

Question 2

Assess

Answer 2

Weigh up to what extent something is true. Present arguments and counterarguments, then conclude how much you agree or disagree.

Question 3

Clarify

Answer 3

Make something clear and simple, like explaining a complex idea in easy terms or the relationship between two variables.

Question 4

Comment upon

Answer 4

Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, supported by evidence or examples.

Question 5

Compare

Answer 5

Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena.

Say if any of the shared similarities or differences are more important than others. ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’ often feature together in an essay question.

Question 6

Consider

Answer 6

Share your thoughts, backed by evidence or experiences, and include opposing views.

Question 7

Contrast

Answer 7

Focus specifically on differences between two or more things, stressing significant ones.

Question 8

Criticize

Answer 8

Evaluate something by giving your judgment of its strengths and weaknesses.

Question 9

Critically evaluate

Answer 9

Assess how valid something is by looking at evidence for and against it, and justify your conclusion.

Question 10

Define

Answer 10

Clearly state the meaning of something, including its boundaries or limitations.

Question 11

Demonstrate

Answer 11

Show how something works with examples.

Question 12

Describe

Answer 12

Give a detailed explanation of how and why something happens.

Question 13

Discuss

Answer 13

Debate the topic, presenting arguments for and against, and conclude with your judgment.

Question 14

Elaborate

Answer 14

Add more details or expand on an idea.

Question 15

Enumerate

Answer 15

List items one by one, briefly and clearly

Question 16

Evaluate

Answer 16

Like “critically evaluate,” but with more focus on weighing pros and cons.

Question 17

Examine

Answer 17

Look closely at something, identify key issues, and explain their significance.

Question 18

Explain

Answer 18

Clearly describe how and why something happens, using evidence and simple terms.

Question 19

Explore

Answer 19

Investigate a topic by looking at different perspectives and reconciling opposing views if possible.

Question 20

Give an account of

Answer 20

Provide a detailed description of something.

Question 21

Identify

Answer 21

Point out the main aspects or key points of something.

Question 22

illustrate

Answer 22

Explain something using specific examples or diagrams.

Question 23

Interpret

Answer 23

Explain the meaning or significance of something, often based on your understanding.

Question 24

Justify

Answer 24

Support your ideas with strong evidence while considering opposing views.

Question 25

List

Answer 25

Present a concise series of items in order.

Question 26

Outline

Answer 26

Summarize the main points, skipping unnecessary details.

Question 27

Prove

Answer 27

Confirm something with evidence or logical reasoning.

Question 28

Relate

Answer 28

Show connections between things.

Question 29

Review

Answer 29

Examine something thoroughly, often with a critical eye.

Question 30

Show how

Answer 30

Explain step-by-step how something happens, with evidence.

Question 31

State

Answer 31

Clearly and briefly specify the main points.

Question 32

Summarise

Answer 32

Give a short version, focusing on the key facts and leaving out extra details.

Question 33

To what extent

Answer 33

Assess how much you agree with something, exploring alternative views.

Question 34

Trace

Answer 34

Describe the development or sequence of events from the start. description of progress, historical sequence, or development from the point of origin