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Key Words for Essays

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COMMAND WORDS IN ESSAY QUESTIONS (Sue Cole, an OU Associated lecturer, and Pauline Harris an OU Assistant Staff Tutor, offers the following explanations for the command words that you’re likely to find in essay questions.)

Account for Analyse Assess Compare Contrast

Explain, Clarify, Give reasons for Resolve into component parts. Examine critically or minutely Determine the value of, weigh up (see also evaluate). Look for similarities and differences between, perhaps reach conclusions about which is preferable and justify this clearly Set in opposition in order to bring out the differences sharply. Make a judgement (backed by a discussion of the evidence or reasoning involved) about the merit of theories or opinions or about the truth of facts. State the exact meaning of a word or phrase. In some cases it may be necessary or desirable to examine different possible or often used definitions. Give a detailed account of… Explain then give two sides of the issue and any implications. Look for differences between Make and appraisal of the worth/validity/effectiveness of something in the light of its truth or usefulness (see also Assess) Look in detail at this line of argument. Give details about how and why it is… Usually involves looking at evidence /arguments for and against and weighing them up. Make clear and explicit. Usually requires the use of carefully chosen examples. Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions; answer the main objections likely to be made about them. Give the main features or general principles of a subject, omitting minor details and emphasising structure and arrangement. Present in a brief, clear way. Give a concise, clear explanation or account of...presenting the chief factors and omitting minor details and examples (see also Outline). Look at both sides of this argument.

Criticise

Define Describe Discuss Distinguish or differentiate between Evaluate Examine the argument that...Explain How far.../To what extent Illustrate Justify Outline State

Summarise What arguments can be made for and against the view that... Source: Adapted from Cole and Harris, undated, Handout material 2.

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