An instruction word (or task word) tells you how to approach your assignment.
What are the instruction words in this assignment?
The main instruction words in this assignment are DISCUSS & DESCRIBE. The meanings of these words are very important to identify before you even begin working on your assignment.
What does discuss mean?
One definition is:
Be analytical. Give reasons for and against. Give the issue some thought and provide an opinion.
| Common instruction words | |
| Analyse | Break down the issue into parts, discuss them and show how they interrelate. |
| Assess | Consider the value or importance of the issue, paying attention to positive, negative and disputable aspects. |
| Argue | Make a case based on appropriate evidence for and against the point of view. |
| Comment on | Analyse or assess the issue. |
| Compare | Look for similarities and differences between the issues. |
| Contrast | Point out the differences between the issues. |
| Criticise | Make your judgements about the issues and indicate the criteria on which you base those judgements. |
| Define | Make a statement as to the meaning or interpretation of the issue, giving enough detail to allow it to be distinguished from similar issues. |
| Describe | Mention the main aspects of the issue, retell the essential features of a story, or spell out the sequence of events in which the issue occurred. |
| Discuss | Analyse the key issue and possible interpretations. Give reasons for and against and draw a conclusion. |
| Evaluate | Similar to 'assess', consider your opinion on the issue and show the arguments for and against your position. |
| Examine | Present your issue in depth and investigate the implications. |
| Explain | Describe and analyse the issue and give reasons for the issue. |
| To what extent | Explore the case for the stated proposition or explanation, assess and analyse the issue without necessarily coming to a conclusion about whether you accept the statement. |
| Identify | Pick out what you consider the key features of the issue. |
| Illustrate | Use examples and where possible use diagrams, statistics, images or visual representations. |
| Interpret | Clarify or explain, usually giving your judgment or indicating how the issues relate to one another. |
| Justify | Provide reasons for your conclusions or for the statement made in the question. |
| Outline | Indicate the main features of the issue and organise your answer into a clear structure that shows how they interrelate. |
| Prove | Provide factual evidence and proof that leads to your conclusion. |
| Relate | Explain the connection between the issues mentioned. |
| Review | Provide a summary and assess the important aspects of the issue. |
| Summarise | Provide a summary that states the main features of the issue, without comment, criticism or detail on side issues. |
| Trace | Describe and explain how the issue progressed over time. |
|
Definitions adapted from the following sources: |
|
Try this 