Direction Words Used in Essay Questions

Analyze       To separate into parts and explain.

Compare    Show similarities between things.

Contrast    Show differences between things.

Criticize    Give the positive and negative points of a subject as well as evidence for these positions.

Define                  Give the formal meaning of a term.

Describe     Tell in detail about something.

Discuss         Give details and, if relevant, the positive and negative points of a subject as well as evidence for these positions.

Enumerate        List points and number them 1, 2, 3, ….

Evaluate    Give the positive and negative points of a subject as well as your judgment about which outweighs the other and why.

Explain        To provide meaning or interpretation; to state reasons for better understanding

Illustrate Explain by giving examples.

Interpret Explain the meaning of something.

Justify                 Give reasons for something.

List                      Give a series of points and number them 1, 2, 3, …

Outline        Give the main points and the important secondary points.  Put main points at the margin and indent secondary points under the main points.  Relationships may also be described with symbols, as follows:

1. ____________________

a. ____________________

b. ____________________

            2.  ____________________

3.  ____________________

a. ____________________

b. ____________________

Prove              Show to be true by giving facts or reasons.

Relate             Show connections among things.

State                 Give the main points.

Summarize       Give a condensed account of the main points.

Trace                Describe the development or history of a subject.