Familiarising yourself with these terms can help clarify questions, making it an easier process to then go on and begin thinking about the content for your assignment. It is important to remember, however, that you read the question closely. Do not glance over it and assume you get it, read it a few times and get a context for the question. These terms can only be helpful if you read the question properly and understand the term in context. If you are ever unsure, ask a classmate, or your lecturer.
17 Key Words:
- Analyse
- Compare
- Consider
- Contrast
- Criticise
- Define
- Describe
- Discuss
- Elucidate
- Evaluate/Assess
- Explain
- Explore
- Illustrate
- Justify
- Prove/Disprove
- State
- Summarise/Outline
This list is not exhaustive, there are likely to be other terms or phrases used in essay questions that may be unfamiliar, or you may still be a little unclear on what they mean exactly, in the context of your question. Be sure to check with someone if you don’t think you have really understood.
It is important to remember that the essay questions set the tone for the essay, and is a prompt for you as an academic to maintain the same tone. If you are unsure that you achieve the appropriate academic tone in your essays, it can be beneficial to use an academic proofreading service. Professional proofreaders are experts at improving the written word, making the most of the services available to you could help you gain up to 10% more in your marks.