Essay Terminology

Question 1

Analyse

Answer 1

Break an issue into its different sections. 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

To assess in an essay means to evaluate a topic by weighing its strengths and weaknesses, considering different perspectives, and forming a reasoned judgment.

Question 3

Compare

Answer 3

Identify is to compare in an essay response means to examine the similarities and differences between two or more subjects to highlight their key features and relationships more important than others.

‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’ will often feature together in an essay question.

Question 4

Contrast

Answer 4

To contrast in an essay means to examine the differences between two or more subjects, highlighting their distinct characteristics, or what significantly sets them apart.

Question 5

Critically
evaluate

Answer 5

To critically evaluate means to analyze something in depth by considering its strengths and weaknesses, using evidence to form a balanced judgment, basing on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how you have made your choice.

Question 6

Describe

Answer 6

Provide a detailed account of a subject, focusing on its characteristics, features, or processes.

Question 7

Discuss

Answer 7

To discuss in an essay means to examine a topic in detail, presenting various viewpoints, evidence, and arguments to explore its complexities.

Remember to arrive at a conclusion.

Question 8

Elaborate

Answer 8

To give in more detail, provide more information on.

Question 9

Examine

Answer 9

Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic. This should be a critical evaluation and you should try and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the most important, as well as explain the different ways they could be construed.

Question 10

Explain/Define

Answer 10

Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or what is meant by the use of this term in a particular context. Your writing should have clarity so that complex procedures or sequences of events can be understood, defining key terms where appropriate, and be substantiated with relevant research.

Question 11

Identify

Answer 11

Determine the key points to be addressed and the implications associated with these points.

Question 12

Interpret

Answer 12

Demonstrate your understanding of an issue or topic. This can be the use of particular terminology by an author, or what the findings from a piece of research suggest to you. In the latter instance, comment on any substantial patterns and causal relationships.

Question 13

Justify

Answer 13

Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas and points of view. In order to present a balanced argument, consider opinions which may run contrary to your own before stating your conclusion.

Question 14

Outline

Answer 14

Convey the main points placing emphasis on global structures and interrelationships rather than minute detail.

Question 15

Summarise

Answer 15

Give a condensed version drawing out the main facts and omit superfluous information. Brief or general examples will normally suffice for this kind of answer.

Question 16

To what extent

Answer 16

This type of question calls for a thorough assessment of the evidence in presenting your argument. Explore alternative explanations where they exist.