The following words are commonly found in essay test questions. Understanding them is essential to success on these kinds of questions.
- ANALYZE: Break into separate parts and discuss, critically examine, or interpret each part.
- COMPARE: Examine two or more things. Identify similarities and differences. Generally, comparisons ask for similarities more than differences (because contrast looks for differences).
- CONTRAST: Show differences. Set in opposition.
- CRITICIZE: Make judgments. Evaluate comparative worth. Criticism often involves analysis and critique.
- DEFINE: Give the meaning; usually a meaning specific to the course of subject. Determine the precise limits of the term to be defined. Explain the exact meaning. Definitions are usually short.
- DESCRIBE: Give a detailed account. Make a picture with words. List characteristics, qualities and parts.
- DISCUSS: Consider and debate or argue the pros and cons of an issue. Write about any conflict. Compare and contrast. Explore solutions.
- ENUMERATE: Write a list, series and/or tabulation of several ideas, aspects, events, things, qualities, reasons, etc. Be concise.
- EVALUATE: Give your opinion or cite the opinion of an expert. Include evidence to support the evaluation.
- ILLUSTRATE: Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons, analogies or examples. Make a topic clear and intelligible.
- INTERPRET: Comment upon, give examples, describe relationships. Explain the meaning. Describe and then evaluate. (Ex. Bring out the meaning of a specific topic such as the messaged convey from a short story).
- OUTLINE: Describe main ideas, characteristics, or events. Present the most important ideas about a topic in a carefully organized fashion. Does not mean write an actual Roman numeral, alphabetical outline.
- PROVE: Support with facts from lectures, textbooks and research. Defend or justify with factual evidence and logical reasons.
- STATE: Explain precisely.
- SUMMARIZE: Give a brief, condensed account. Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details. Brief examples will help make your summary specific.
- TRACE: Show the order of events or progress of a subject or event. This type of essay may require probing or deductions.