These words are
"directives" and ask you to answer, or present
information, in a particular way. Review these, and
most of all note that there are different ways of answering
a question or writing a paper!
Compare:
Examine qualities, or characteristics, to discover
resemblances. "Compare" is usually stated as
"compare with": you are to emphasize
similarities, although differences may be mentioned.
Contrast:
Stress dissimilarities, differences, or unlikeness of
things, qualities, events, or problems.
Criticize:
Express your judgment or correctness or merit. Discuss the
limitations and good points or contributions of the plan
or work in question.
Define:
Definitions call for concise, clear, authoritative
meanings. Details are not required but limitations of the
definition should be briefly cited. You must keep in mind
the class to which a thing belongs and whatever
differentiates the particular object from all others in
the class.
Describe:
In a descriptive answer you should recount, characterize,
sketch or relate in narrative form.
Diagram:
For a question which specifies a diagram you should
present a drawing, chart, plan, or graphic representation
in your answer. Generally you are expected to label the
diagram and in some cases add a brief explanation or
description.
Discuss:
The term discuss, which appears often in essay questions,
directs you to examine, analyze carefully, and present
considerations pro and con regarding the problems or items
involved. This type of question calls for a complete and
entailed answer.
Enumerate:
The word enumerate specifies a list or outline form of
reply. In such questions you should recount, one by one,
in concise form, the points required.
Evaluate:
In an evaluation question you are expected to present a
careful appraisal of the problem stressing both advantages
and limitations. Evaluation implies authoritative and, to
a lesser degree, personal appraisal of both contributions
and limitations.
Explain:
In explanatory answers it is imperative that you clarify
and interpret the material you present. In such an answer
it is best to state the "how or why," reconcile
any differences in opinion or experimental results, and,
where possible, state causes. The aim is to make plain the
conditions which give rise to whatever you are examining.
Illustrate:
A question which asks you to illustrate usually requires
you to explain or clarify your answer to the problem by
presenting a figure, picture, diagram, or concrete
example.
Interpret:
An interpretation question is similar to one requiring
explanation. You are expected to translate, exemplify,
solve, or comment upon the subject and usually to give
your judgment or reaction to the problem.
Justify:
When you are instructed to justify your answer you must
prove or show grounds for decisions. In such an answer,
evidence should be presented in convincing form.
List:
Listing is similar to enumeration. You are expected in
such questions to present an itemized series or
tabulation. Such answers should always be given in concise
form.
Outline:
An outline answer is organized description. You should
give main points and essential supplementary materials,
omitting minor details, and present the information in a
systematic arrangement or classification.
Prove:
A question which requires proof is one which demands
confirmation or verification. In such discussions you
should establish something with certainty by evaluating
and citing experimental evidence or by logical reasoning.
Relate:
In a question which asks you to show the relationship or
to relate, your answer should emphasize connections and
associations in descriptive form.
Review:
A review specifies a critical examination. You should
analyze and comment briefly in organized sequence upon the
major points of the problem.
State:
In questions which direct you to specify, give, state, or
present, you are called upon to express the high points in
brief, clear narrative form. Details, and usually
illustrations or examples, may be omitted.
Summarize:
When you are asked to summarize or present a
summarization, you should give in condensed form the main
points or facts. All details, illustrations and
elaboration are to be omitted.
Trace:
When a question asks you to
trace a course of events, you are to give a description of
progress, historical sequence, or development from the
point of origin. Such narratives may call for probing or
for deduction.
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