Analyse

Divide something into parts and examine each part in detail.

Argue

Present a case for and against a statement or proposal and present your own opinion at the end.

Compare

Find the similarities between two or more things

Contrast

Find the differences between two or more things (You will often be asked to “compare and contrast” in which case, you will need to write about the similarities and differences between things).

Criticise

To analyse something and make your own judgement about it. To discuss good and bad characteristics of something.

Define

Give the precise meaning of a word or term.

Describe

Give a detailed pictorial or narrative account of something.

Diagram

Show the parts of something and their relationship to each other in graphic form. (Always label diagrams).

Discuss

Identify the important issues related to a subject and then examine broadly and in detail. Explore as many sides as possible.

Enumerate

List concisely and describe.

Evaluate

Assess the value, or otherwise, of something. Discuss strengths and weaknesses and give your opinion.

Examine

Look in depth at a subject and discuss its implications.

Explain

Clarify or interpret – focus on why or how something happened.

Illustrate

Give examples verbal and/ or visual.

Interpret

Explain and clarify the meaning of something/

Justify

Argue for something with clear evidence.

List

Present information in a series of brief, separate points.

Outline

Give the main points in a structured, logical way – often as a series of headings.

Prove

Present evidence and argue logically, with evidence, for a point of view.

Relate

Can mean, depending on the context, either (1) Show the ways in which ideas are connected or (2) Tell a story.

Review

Survey and comment on the main aspects of something/

State

Specify clearly and fully/

Summarise

Give a brief account of the main points.

Trace

Describe the development of something.