Saturday, March 14, 2009

Direction words used in assignment questions.

ANALYSE
Show the nature of a thing by identifying the essential elements and showing how they are related. Weaknesses or disadvantages may come to light in this process.
ARGUE
Present the case for and/or against a particular proposition.
COMMENT ON
Point out the important features, criticise.
COMPARE
Identify characteristics or qualities that resemble each other. Emphasise similarities and also mention differences where appropriate.
CONTRAST
Stress the dissimilarities and differences between things, events, problems, or qualities.
CRITICISE
Express your judgement about the merit or truth of the factors or views mentioned. Draw conclusions, discussing both the limitations and the good points.
DEFINE
Provide concise, clear, and authoritative meanings. Give the limits of the definition, but omit detailed explanations. Show how the item defined differs from items in other classes.
DESCRIBE
Recount, characterise, outline, and relate in sequence.
DIAGRAM
A drawing, chart, plan, or graph. Diagrams should be labelled and there should be an accompanying explanation.
DISCUSS
Examine, analyse carefully, and give reasons for and against. Be complete and give details, usually with a view to assessing how satisfactory something is.
EVALUATE
Carefully appraise in relation to some standard, referring to advantages, limitations, and costs and benefits as appropriate; attempt to come to a judgement.
EXAMINE
Investigate critically, appraise a subject in detail.
EXPLAIN
Clarify, interpret, and elaborate on the material presented. Give reasons for differences of opinion or results, and try to analyse causes.
ILLUSTRATE
Use a concrete example, diagram, or figure to explain or clarify a problem.
INDICATE
Identify, then focus attention so as to clarify.
JUSTIFY
Prove or give reasons for conclusions or decisions.
OUTLINE
Present the essential features, showing main points and subordinate points. Omit minor details. Stress the arrangement or classification of things.
REVIEW
Examine a subject critically, analysing and commenting on the important or controversial statements.
STATE
Present the main points in a brief and clear sequence, usually omitting details or examples.
SUMMARISE
Give the main points or facts in condensed form.
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