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Command Words in Essay Questions

The document provides explanations of common command words found in essay questions, such as explain, analyse, assess, compare, contrast, criticise, define, describe, discuss, distinguish/differentiate between, evaluate, examine, illustrate, justify, outline, state, summarise, and what arguments can be made for and against. These command words instruct students to break down topics, look at evidence for and against arguments, weigh and make judgements about information, and present key details while omitting minor examples. The document is intended to help students understand what is being asked of them in essay questions through clarifying the meaning and requirements of frequently used command terms.

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Tia Beckles
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598 views1 page

Command Words in Essay Questions

The document provides explanations of common command words found in essay questions, such as explain, analyse, assess, compare, contrast, criticise, define, describe, discuss, distinguish/differentiate between, evaluate, examine, illustrate, justify, outline, state, summarise, and what arguments can be made for and against. These command words instruct students to break down topics, look at evidence for and against arguments, weigh and make judgements about information, and present key details while omitting minor examples. The document is intended to help students understand what is being asked of them in essay questions through clarifying the meaning and requirements of frequently used command terms.

Uploaded by

Tia Beckles
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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  • Command Words in Essay Questions: Explains various command words used in essay questions, providing definitions and guidance on how to address them.

COMMAND WORDS IN ESSAY QUESTIONS

(Sue Cole, an OU Associated lecturer, and Pauline Harris an OU Assistant Staff Tutor, offers the
following explanations for the command words that you’re likely to find in essay questions.)

Account for Explain, Clarify, Give reasons for


Analyse Resolve into component parts. Examine critically or minutely
Assess Determine the value of, weigh up (see also evaluate).
Look for similarities and differences between, perhaps reach
Compare conclusions about which is preferable and justify this clearly
Contrast Set in opposition in order to bring out the differences sharply.
Make a judgement (backed by a discussion of the evidence or
reasoning involved) about the merit of theories or opinions or
about the truth of facts.
Criticise
State the exact meaning of a word or phrase. In some cases it may
be necessary or desirable to examine different possible or often
used definitions.
Define
Describe Give a detailed account of…
Discuss Explain then give two sides of the issue and any implications.
Distinguish or differentiate between Look for differences between
Make and appraisal of the worth/validity/effectiveness of
Evaluate something in the light of its truth or usefulness (see also Assess)
Examine the argument that...- Look in detail at this line of argument.
Explain Give details about how and why it is…
Usually involves looking at evidence /arguments for and against
How far.../To what extent and weighing them up.
Make clear and explicit. Usually requires the use of carefully
Illustrate chosen examples.
Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions; answer the
Justify main objections likely to be made about them.
Give the main features or general principles of a subject, omitting
Outline minor details and emphasising structure and arrangement.
State Present in a brief, clear way.
Give a concise, clear explanation or account of...presenting the
chief factors and omitting minor details and examples (see also
Summarise Outline).
What arguments can be made for Look at both sides of this argument.
and against the view that...
Source: Adapted from Cole and Harris, undated, Handout material 2.

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