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Key Words Used in Writing Assignments

The document provides definitions and descriptions of key words used for different types of writing assignments. It lists words such as analyze, assess, compare, contrast, criticize, define, describe, discuss, evaluate, examine, explain, illustrate, interpret, relate, review, state, suggest, and summarize. For each word, it provides a brief explanation of the task or strategy that word represents for academic writing, such as identifying parts and explaining their relationships for "analyze" or making a judgement in the conclusion for "evaluate." The purpose is to highlight different strategies for analysis and writing that are typical in academic papers.

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Sheena Viloria
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37 views2 pages

Key Words Used in Writing Assignments

The document provides definitions and descriptions of key words used for different types of writing assignments. It lists words such as analyze, assess, compare, contrast, criticize, define, describe, discuss, evaluate, examine, explain, illustrate, interpret, relate, review, state, suggest, and summarize. For each word, it provides a brief explanation of the task or strategy that word represents for academic writing, such as identifying parts and explaining their relationships for "analyze" or making a judgement in the conclusion for "evaluate." The purpose is to highlight different strategies for analysis and writing that are typical in academic papers.

Uploaded by

Sheena Viloria
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Key Words Used in

Writing Assignments
The following list presents a selection of key words that represent certain task
types. They simultaneously highlight strategies for analysis and writing that are
typical for academic papers.
Analyze: Identify and describe the parts of X, and explain how they relate to
each other or work together. If it is a theory or claim or argument which you
analyze, see if the claims on which they are based are true or false; present and
discuss points for and against. This may lead to an evaluation. Your answer
needs to be methodical and logically organised.
Assess: This usually refers to the importance of something: positive/negative, to
what extent successful/useful unsuccessful and often refers to contribution to
knowledge, events or processes.
Compare: Describe X and Y; highlight similarities and differences. A comparison
requires that different texts or objects are subjected to the same set of categories
by which they are compared - a balanced (objective) answer is required. This
may lead to an evaluation.
Contrast: This is similar to compare, but focussing on the differences between
two or more items. Like compare it may, but need not, lead to an evaluation.
Criticize: Point out mistakes or weaknesses & favourable aspects - a balanced
answer is required.
Define: Give the precise meaning of a concept or term. Look up the definitions in
dictionaries, encyclopaedias, or handbooks – compare them and give the most
appropriate definition.
Describe: State which form, structure, and/or properties characterize a given
object – this can be the shape and spatial relations of surface forms, a sequence
of events, or a relation of cause and effect, or other statements of fact.
Discuss: Identify, describe and explain one or more statements on the given
topic. Give supporting information – are they statements of facts or opinions?
Compare them and give examples, points for and against (analyze), and then
draw a conclusion from the points presented.
Evaluate: Similar to discuss but the emphasis is on a judgement in the
conclusion.

Writing Assignment Key Words Page 1 of 2


Last updated: September 14, 2016
Examine: Similar to analyze: Describe and divide a given topic into parts;
distinguish major from minor characteristics of it, hierarchically distinguish super-
ordinate from sub-ordinate features; add a critical comment if appropriate.
Explain: Give a precise and detailed explanation of an idea or principle or set of
reasons for a situation or attitude (analyze implied). Make clearer, possibly by
giving examples or illustrations (a figure, or diagram).
Illustrate: Requires concrete examples - including figures/diagrams (often added
to another instruction) Interpret = explain + comment upon the subject and make
a judgement (evaluation)
Relate: Emphasize connections and associations (analyze implied)
Review: Analyze and comment briefly, in organized sequences, on the main
points.
State: Give the relevant points briefly - no lengthy discussion or minor details are
required.
Suggest: Give possible reasons - analyze, interpret and evaluate.
Summarize/outline: No details – only the main points are required.

Writing Assignment Key Words Page 2 of 2


Last updated: September 14, 2016

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