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It's vital that you understand exactly what these instruction words mean so you can answer all parts of the essay question and provide a complete response. Here's a list of some of the most common instruction/command words you'll see in essay questions (and examination questions as well), together with an explanation of what they mean.
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BetaInstruction verbs in essay questions Account for Give reasons for; explain (note: give an account of; describe). Analyse Break the information into constituent parts; examine the relationship between the parts; question the information. Argue Put the case for or against a view or idea giving evidence
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BetaOften, interpreting the verbs used in essay questions can help to focus how the question should be answered. Sometimes essay questions can be understood focusing on the concepts. Please see our tip sheet Concept Words Used in Essay Questions. Knowledge: The Most Basic Level of Questioning The most basic type of questions solicits basic knowledge.
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BetaEssay question instruction words We can help you to succeed in your studies on or off campus. Just contact us. Learning Support @ Student Success studentsuccess@op.ac.nz 0800 762 786 Analyse: break down the topic into smaller pieces and discuss these in detail. Argue: develop a case or argument to support a particular position or viewpoint.
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BetaEssay Question Instruction Words : Glossary . Instruction Word Suggested Approach . Analyse . Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate. Clarify . Literally, make something clearer and, where appropriate, simplify it. This could ...
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Betainstruction words Academic Skills Division of Student Success A glossary of common instruction words used in assignment questions. Instruction. Definition; Account for: Provide reasons for/explain why something exists/happens. Account of: Provide an account of: Describe an issue, process or event in detail.
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BetaInstruction verbs in essay questions Understanding your assignment question When you get your assignment question, decide: • • What the question means What it is asking you to do Student Learning Read the question several times. Define the key words (use a dictionary if necessary) ...
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BetaDirection Words Used in Essay Questions . Compare . Explain similarities and differences. Contrast Explain differences only. Criticize or evaluate . Make a judgment about strengths and weaknesses, positive or negative aspects. Define Give a precise and accurate meaning. Describe . Provide a detailed account. Discuss or explain
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BetaEven though you may very well know what the instructional verbs that you come across in exams mean in general language use, they sometimes have a more specific meaning in exam questions.. Some instructional verbs in exams ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of something (e.g. list, give examples of) or to show that you have understood something (e.g. explain, compare).
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BetaAdapted from Instruction words in Essay Questions Licence: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 Estimate Calculate; judge; predict. Evaluate/weigh up Appraise the worth of something in the light of its truth or usefulness; assess and explain. Examine Look at carefully; consider. Explain Make plain and clear; give reasons for.
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