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Before writing an
essay response it is important to understand exactly
what is being asked. There are certain key words in
every question that tell you what information the
professor is asking for, and which can actually tell
you how to format your response. This list, with
common key words and brief definitions, may be the
answer to that common question, "So what am I really
supposed to do?"
- Analyze
- Take apart and look at something
closely.
- Compare
- Look for similarities and
differences; stress similarities.
- Contrast
- Look for differences and
similarities; stress differences.
- Critique
- Point out both positive and
negative aspects.
- Define
- Explain exactly what something
means.
- Describe
- Show what something looks like,
including physical features. It can also mean to
give an account or narrate
- Discuss
- This means to argue for and
against. Mention different groups or individuals
involved and the viewpoint of each. State evidence
supporting a viewpoint and evidence contrary to it.
- Evaluate
- Make a value judgement according
to some clear criteria.
- Explain
- Clarify or interpret how
something works or happens.
- Illustrate
- Show by means of example,
picture, or diagram.
- Interpret
- Translate how or why; implies
some subjective judgements.
- Justify
- Argue in support of something; to
find positive reasons.
- List
- Order facts, attributes, or items
in sequence. This usually means to arrange certain
facts in 1,2,3 order
- Outline
- Organize according to hierarchy
and/or category.
- Prove
- Demonstrate correctness by use of
logic, fact, or example.
- Review
- Reexamine the main points or
highlights of something.
- State
- This means a simple statement of
facts: example State the terms of the Treaty of
Versailles
- Summarize
- Pull together the main points.
- Synthesize
- Combine or pull together pieces
or concepts.
- Trace
- Present an outline, show a
sequence of how or why something occurs or happens.
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