Julia’s List of Essay Question Verbs – Flashcards
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Summarize
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Supply the main points or facts in condensed (short) form. Don't include details, examples, and elaborations.
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Describe
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Recount or explain in narrative (story) form. When you describe something it is important to be both detailed and sequential.
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Definition
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Definitions should be clear and to the point, indicating what is important or not. In such statements, details are not required but limitations should be briefly cited.
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Definition
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Definitions can be about 1. the class to which a thing belongs 2. the function it serves 3. what makes the object different from all others 4. a concept that has been variously defined by experts
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State
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To specify in clear terms the key aspects related to a topic without being overly descriptive. Refer to evidence and examples where appropriate.
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Analyze
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Break an issue into its parts. Look in depth at each part and how these interrelate to one another.
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Examine
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Look in close detail and determine what the key facts and important issues are. You should try and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the most important.
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Suggest
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Make a proposal and support it
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Argue
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Make a case, based on appropriate evidence and logically structured for and/or against some point of view.
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Relate
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Show the connections between ideas or events. Provide a larger context.
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Illustrate
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Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples.
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Prove
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Support with facts (especially facts presented in class or in the text.)
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Compare
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When you are asked to compare, you should examine qualities or characteristics in order to discover resemblances (similarities). Ex: Compare X with Y. This implies emphasizing similarities, although differences may be mentioned.
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Criticize
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In a criticism, you should express your judgment based on your own analysis on a topic. You must also discuss both limitations and strengths of your or other people's points.
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Evaluate
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In an evaluation question, you are expected to present a careful appraisal, stressing both advantages and limitations. Evaluation implies authoritative and, to a lesser degree, personal appraisal.
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Explain
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In such an answer, it is best to state the "how" and "why," reconcile any differences in opinion or experimental results, and, where possible, state causes. The aim is to simplify the conditions which promote or lead to whatever you are writing about.
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Review
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A review usually specifies a critical examination. You should analyze and comment briefly, in organized sequence, upon the major points of the problem. Sometimes, however, a review question simply asks for a list.
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Justify
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When you are instructed to justify you answer, you must prove, or show grounds for, decisions. In such an answer, evidence should be presented in a convincing manner.
