Key Instruction Words for Essay Writing Flashcards
(18 cards)
Comment on
When you say something that gives your opinion about it or an explanation for it.
Compare
To point out the differences or similarities between them. The essay would involve examining qualities/characteristics of a subject and emphasising the similarities and differences.
Contrast
When you show how two subjects differ when compared with each other. The essay should emphasise striking differences between two elements.
Compare and Contrast
To write an essay that would examine the similarities and differences of two subjects
Describe
When you to give a detailed account of characteristics, properties or qualities of a subject.
Discuss
To consider your subject from different points of view. Examine, analyse and present considerations for and against the problem or statement.
Evaluate
When you decide on your subject’s significance, value, or quality after carefully studying its good and bad features.
Use authoritative (eg, from established authors or theorists in the field) and, to some extent, personal appraisal of both contributions and limitations of the subject. Similar to assess.
Analyse
When you consider it carefully and in detail in order to understand or explain it. Identify the main parts or ideas of a subject and examine or interpret the connections between them.
Criticise
When you make judgements about a subject after thinking about it carefully and deeply. You express your judgement with respect to the correctness or merit of the factors under consideration.
Give the results of your own analysis and discuss the limitations and contributions of the factors in question. Support your judgement with evidence.
Define
When you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what it is like, you can also say what its limits are. You do not include details but do include what distinguishes it from other related things, sometimes by giving examples.
Explain
When you give details about your subject and describe it so that it can be understood. Give reasons for a particular event or situation. State the ‘how’ and ‘why’, account for causes, results and implications
Illustrate
When you explain the points that you are making clearly by using examples, diagrams, statistics, etc.
Interpret
When you should translate, solve, give examples, or comment upon the subject and evaluate it in terms of your judgement or reaction. Explain what your subject means
Justify
When you provide the reasons and grounds for the conclusions you draw from the statement. Present your evidence in a form that will convince your reader.
Outline
When you explain ideas, plans, or theories in a general way, without giving all the details. Use essential supplementary material, but omit minor details.
Prove
When you confirm or verify something (statement, experiment or theory) that you have said in your essay.
Relate
When you state or claim the connection or link between two things. Show the relationship by emphasising these connections and associations.
Review
When you critically examine, analyse and comment on the major points of a subject in an organised manner.
