Answer: process words
Correct answer
| Process word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Define | give the exact meaning of a word or phrase, perhaps examine different possible or often-used definitions |
| Assess | determine the value of, weigh up – see also Evaluate |
| How far / to what extent | look at evidence or arguments for and against and weigh them up in terms of their value |
| Contrast | set in opposition in order to bring out the differences – you may also note that there are similarities |
| Give an account of / account for | explain the reasons for, clarify or give reasons for |
| Analyse | resolve into its component parts, examine critically or minutely |
| Compare | look for and show the similarities and differences between examples, perhaps reach a conclusion about which is preferable and justify this |
| Describe | give a detailed account of |
| Explain | give details about how and why something is so |
| Distinguish / differentiate between | look for differences between |
| Criticise | make a judgement backed by a reasoned discussion of the evidence involved, describe the merit of theories or opinions or the truth of assertions |
| Discuss | explain, then give two sides of the issue and any implications |
| Justify | give reasons for a point of view, decisions or conclusions, and mention any main objections or arguments against |
| Summarise | give a clear, short description, explanation or account, presenting the chief factors and omitting minor details and examples – see also Outline |
| Compare and contrast | find some points of common ground between two or more items and show where or how they are different |
| Examine the argument that | look in detail at this line of argument |
| Outline | give the main features or general principles of a subject, omitting minor details and emphasising structure and arrangement |
| Evaluate | make an appraisal of the worth, validity or effectiveness of something (but not so that it is your personal opinion and give evidence from course materials – see also Assess |
| State | present in a brief, clear way |
| Illustrate | make clear and explicit, and give carefully chosen examples |