Understanding What The Question Requires of Me

Very often, when given an essay or project question, you may not understand its requirements. For example, what is the difference between "Describe" and "Discuss".

Below is a list of glossary words that will help you understand and master the requirements.

Glossary of Key Verbs Used In Examinations
Source: http://www.hsc.csu.edu.au/food_technology/glossary/2360/keywords.htm

Account: account for: state reasons for, report on

Give an account of: narrate a series of events or transactions

Analyse: identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications

Apply: use, utilise, employ in a particular situation

Appreciate: make a judgement about the value of

Assess: make a judgment of value, quality, outcomes, results or size

Calculate: ascertain or determine from given facts, figures or information

Clarify: make clear or plain

Classify: arrange or include in classes or categories

Compare: show how things are similar or different

Construct: make; build; put together items or arguments

Contrast: show how things are different or opposite

Critically analyse or evaluate: add a degree or level of accuracy, depth, knowledge and understanding, logic, questioning, reflection and quality to (analysis/evaluation)

Deduce: draw conclusionsDefine: state meaning and identify essential qualities

Demonstrate: show by example

Describe: provide characteristics and features

Discuss: identify issues and provide points for and/or against

Distinguish: recognise, note or indicate as being distinct or different from; to note differences between

Evaluate: make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of

Examine: inquire into

Explain: relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how

Extract: choose relevant and/or appropriate details

Extrapolate: infer from what is knownIdentify: recognise and nameInterpret: draw meaning from

Investigate: plan, inquire into and draw conclusions about

Justify: support an argument or conclusion

Outline: sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of

Predict: suggest what may happen based on available information

Propose: put forward (for example a point of view, idea, argument, suggestion) for consideration or action

Recall: present remembered ideas, facts or experiences

Recommend: provide reasons in favourRecount: retell a series of events

Summarise: express, concisely, the relevant details

Synthesise: putting together various elements to make a whole

Board of Studies NSW (1999) The New Higher School Certificate Assessment Support Document, pp.19 - 20.