Instruction Words

Question 1

Account for

Answer 1

provide a valid explanation or reason(s) for an observation, outcome

Question 2

analyse

Answer 2

take apart the question/quotation & examine all its components/main ideas & issues. Look at these from a different POV, all sides of an issue. Focus on ‘how’ and ‘why’ of an issue/topic. Do not simply describe or summaries. Draw a conclusion based on your analysis.

Question 3

Annotate (indicate)

Answer 3

add labels to a diagram/figure to identify parts or critically explain what that part of the diagram does

Question 4

Argue

Answer 4

set out a case to support a particular POV. Use reasoning & evidence to convince the reader/listener. Think of counter-arguments or objections against yours & respond to them.

Question 5

assess

Answer 5

give an opinion, supported by evidence, on the worth/value of something. weigh up the evidence, determine the importance of something and then give a considered opinion

Question 6

calculate

Answer 6

find an answer using mathematical methods. show the working unless not instructed to

Question 7

comment

Answer 7

discuss the issue & give a considered opinion on the various aspects of the issue

Question 8

compare

Answer 8

look at/identify/find/emphasise similarities & differences between two or more objects, ideas, events, or theories. comparing & contrasting belong to a single analytical process. if you are asked to ‘compare’ emphasise the similarities

Question 9

consider

Answer 9

examine key points & possible interpretations/points of view; note their strengths & weaknesses; give arguments for & against & draw a conclusion. present a POV after having considered both sides of the issue/question. you should provide evidence to support your opinion

Question 10

contrast

Answer 10

similar to ‘compare’ but if you are asked to ‘contrast’ emphasise the differences

Question 11

critique/criticise

Answer 11

examine the positive & negative aspects of a perspective/statement; identify gaps, generalisations, unfounded statements, or weakly supported opinion. give the results of your analysis. being ‘critical’ means looking at both positive & negative aspects of the argument. this does not mean to find fault but to assess the merit of something in a questioning way

Question 12

define

Answer 12

give the exact/precise meaning of a word, term, theory, concept, or idea, using examples where helpful. it could also mean: to identify; to set precise limits

Question 13

demonstrate

Answer 13

show, prove or clarify using reasoning. provide evidence & examples. show that you can apply theory

Question 14

describe

Answer 14

give details about something so that it can be understood. give a clear well-organised account or outline. recall specific details about size, texture or appearance, function, etc

Question 15

discuss

Answer 15

examine key points & possible interpretations or POV; note their strengths & weaknesses; compare & contrast; give arguments for & against to draw a conclusion. present a POV after having considered both sides of the issue/question. you should provide evidence to support your opinion

Question 16

evaluate

Answer 16

give an opinion, supported by evidence, on the worth or value of something. weight up the evidence, determine the importance of something & then give a considered opinion. assess the implications & limitations

Question 17

examine

Answer 17

take apart the question/quotation & consider all its components, or main ideas or issues. Look at these from different POVs, all sides of an issue. focus on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of an issue/topic. do not simply describe or summaries. draw a conclusion based on your analysis

Question 18

explain

Answer 18

make plain or understandable; give reasons, or clarify reasons; show the logical development of an idea/issue; relate how something happens in the order in which it occurs; clarify cause & effect

Question 19

explore

Answer 19

examine an issue/problem/concern from various POV & indicate/show implications of each of these POV

Question 20

identify

Answer 20

single out. find the answer from a number of possibilities

Question 21

illustrate

Answer 21

make something clear by providing details & examples, or give examples to demonstrate the point. explain clearly by using comparisons or examples

Question 22

interpret

Answer 22

explain the meaning of something. express in your own words. describe, then evaluate. examples may be helpful

Question 23

justify

Answer 23

provide reasons & evidence for something; show that it is reasonable

Question 24

list

Answer 24

give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no elaboration. each one should be clearly distinguishable from the others

Question 25

outline

Answer 25

indicate the key features; extract & present the main points/facts in a condensed form (bullet point headings/flow charts/simple statements). give essential information only

Question 26

prove

Answer 26

give factual evidence, examples, or clear logical reasons, which demonstrate the validity of a statement/idea

Question 27

relate

Answer 27

tell the story in clear sequence, or show how things are connected or similar to each other

Question 28

review

Answer 28

examine a subject critically, analysing & commenting on the main points. identify strengths & weaknesses

Question 29

show

Answer 29

demonstrate using examples

Question 30

state

Answer 30

give a specific name, value, or other answer. no supporting argument or calculation is necessary

Question 31

summarise

Answer 31

similar to outline but with slightly more detail around main points. give an overview

Question 32

to what extent

Answer 32

consider both sides, make a judgement & defend it. similar to evaluation & discuss