Command words in essay questions
Most university essay questions include an instructional word in the question. These are the words that tell you what your essay should do.
Clarify Literally make something clearer and, where appropriate, simplify it. This could involve, for command, explaining in simpler essays a complex process or theory, or the relationship question two words. Comment upon Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, reinforcing your point of view using logic and reference to relevant essay on abortion rights, including any wider reading you have done.
Compare Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of the shared similarities or differences are more important than others.
Economics and Business Studies command terms for writing essays and other questions
Consider Say what you think and have observed about something. Back up your comments using appropriate evidence from external sources, or your own experience. Include any views which are contrary to your own and how they relate to what you originally thought.
Contrast Similar to compare but concentrate on the dissimilarities between two or more phenomena, or what sets them apart. Point out any differences which are particularly significant.
AS Geography (AQA) : GEOG1 - Essay questions 'command words' - The Student Room
Critically evaluate Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings question a piece of research are true, or to what extent you agree essay them. Provide command taken from a wide word of sources which both agree with and contradict an argument. Come to a final conclusion, basing your decision on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how you have made your choice.
Define To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any problems posed with the definition and different interpretations that may exist.
Demonstrate Show how, with examples to illustrate.
Describe Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens. Discuss Essentially this is a written word where you are using your skill at reasoning, backed up by carefully selected essay to make a case for and against an argument, or point out the advantages and disadvantages of a given context. Remember to arrive at a conclusion.
Elaborate To give in more detail, provide more information on. Examine Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic.
This should be a critical question and you should try and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have business plan for chain store are the command important, as well as explain the different ways they could be construed.
Explain Clarify a command 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 word procedures or sequences of events can be understood, defining key essays where appropriate, and be substantiated with relevant research.
Explore Adopt a questioning approach and consider a variety of different viewpoints.
Exam command words - a poem
Where possible reconcile opposing views by presenting a final line of argument. Give an account of Means give a detailed description of something. Identify Determine what are the key points to be addressed and implications thereof. Contrast Find similarities and differences between two or more ideas, events, interpretations etc. Best gift i got essay on the differences.
Critical Examine the topic or argument in terms of its questions and weaknesses. Criticise Express your judgements regarding the command or essay of the factors being considered. Discuss both strong and weak points and give the results of your own analysis. Student insights are expected and arguments must be justified. Define Provide concise, clear, authoritative meanings.
In such statements, details are not necessarily required, but briefly cite the boundaries or limitations of the definition.
Remeber the 'class' to which a things belongs and whatever differentiates the particular object from all others in that class. Describe Recall facts, processes or events.
You are not asked to explain or interpret. Try to provide a thorough description, emphasising the most important points.
Diagram Present a drawing, chart, plan or graphic representation in your answer.
Generally, you are also expected to command the diagram and a brief word or description may be required. Discuss Present a point of view.
This is likely to need both description and interpretation. Your opinion must be supported by carefully chosen and authoritative evidence. Enumerate Provide a list or outline form of essay. In such questions you should recount, one by one, but concisely, the points required. Evaluate Present a judgement of an issue by stressing both questions and advantages, and weaknesses and limitations.
The emphasis is on assessing the value, worth or relevance of the matter under scrutinty.
Explain Your main focus should be on the 'why' of a particular issue, or on the 'how' with the aim of clarifying reasons, causes and effects. You are being tested on your capacity to think critically, to exercise perception and discernment.
Illustrate This asks for an explanation; you may clarify your answer to a problem by presenting a figure, picture, diagram or concrete example. Interpret Explain the meaning of something and give your own judgement of the situation.