How to...write a great assignment

Instructional/ command word

What you have to do….

Take apart an idea, concept or statement and examine and criticise its sub-parts in detail. You must be methodical and logical, looking for positives & negatives Emphasise the differences between two things. Look at the similarities and differences – a balanced (objective) answer is required, you must include both. Give details of processes, properties, events and so on. Consider the different aspects of the issue, situation problem or argument and how they interrelate or are important Like discuss , but with more focus on a judgement in the conclusion. Set out the causes of a phenomenon and/or the factors which influence its form/nature. This usually requires an understanding of processes. This is a higher-level skill than description. Provide an itemised series of parts, reasons or qualities, possibly in a table. Provide evidence for or against and demonstrate logical argument and reasoning – you often must do this for abstract or scientific subjects. Just give the main points, not the details. Suggest what may happen based on available information. Give a brief description of the logical or chronological stages of the development of a theory, process, a person’s life and so on. Often used in historical questions.

Analyse

Contrast Compare

Describe Discuss

Evaluate

Explain

List

Prove/disprove

Summarise or outline

Predict

Trace