Interpreting the key words in assignment questions
Assignment key words are the first important things you need to understand before you tackle your assignment. They are there to give you direction on what exactly you are supposed to do! It is therefore absolutely important for you to recognise and correctly interpret the key words in your assignment question. Here is a simple guide.
Analyse
Break up into parts; investigate
Comment on
Identify and write about the main issues; give your reactions based on what you’ve read/ heard in lectures. Avoid just personal opinion.
Compare
Look for the similarities between two things. Show the relevance or consequences of these similarities concluding which is preferable.
Contrast
Identify the differences between two items or arguments. Show whether the differences are significant. Perhaps give reasons why one is preferable.
Criticise
Requires an answer that points out mistakes or weaknesses, and which also indicates any favourable aspects of the subject of the question. It requires a balanced answer.
Critically evaluate
Weigh arguments for and against something, assessing the strength of the evidence on both sides. Use criteria to guide your assessment of which opinions, theories, models or items are preferable.
Define
Give the exact meaning of. Where relevant, show you understand how the definition may be problematic.
Describe
Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens or happened.
Discuss
Investigate or examine by argument; sift and debate; give reasons for and against; examine the implications.
Evaluate
Assess and give your judgement about the merit, importance or usefulness of something using evidence to support your argument.
Examine
Look closely into something
Explain
Make clear why something happens, or is the way it is: interpret and account for; give reasons for
Explore
Examine thoroughly; consider from a variety of viewpoints
Illustrate
Make something clear and explicit, give examples of evidence
Justify
Give evidence that supports and argument or idea; show why a decision or conclusions were made
Outline
Give the main points/features/general principles; show the main structure and interrelations; omit details and examples
State
Give the main features briefly and clearly
Summarise
Draw out the main points only; omit details and examples
To what extent…
Consider how far something is true, or contributes to a final outcome. Consider also ways in which it is not true.
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