Identification Terms:
cite, define,
enumerate, give, identify, indicate,
list, mention, name, state
Description
Terms: describe, discuss, review, summarize, diagram, illustrate,
sketch, develop, outline, trace
Relation
Terms: analyze, compare, contrast, differentiate, distinguish,
relate
Demonstration
Terms: demonstrate, explain why, justify, prove, show, support
Evaluation
Terms: assess, comment, criticize, evaluate, interpret, propose
Compare:
Look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other.
Emphasize similarities among them, but in some cases also mention
differences.
Contrast:
Stress the dissimilarities or differences.
Criticize:
Express your judgment about the merit or truth of the factors or views
mentioned. Give the results of your analysis of these factors,
discussing their limitations and good points.
Define:
Give concise, clear, and authoritative meanings. Don’t give details,
but be sure to give the limits of the definition. Show how what you are
defining is different from others in its class.
Describe:
Recount, characterize, sketch, or relate in sequence or story form.
Diagram:
Give a drawing, chart, plan, or graphic answer. Usually you should label
a diagram. In some cases, add a brief explanation of description.
Discuss:
Examine, analyze carefully, and give reasons pro and con. Be complete,
and give details.
Enumerate:
Write in list or outline form, giving points concisely one by one.
Evaluate:
Carefully appraise the problem, citing both advantages and limitations.
Emphasize the appraisal of authorities and, to a lesser degree, your
personal evaluation.
Explain:
Clarify, interpret, and spell out the material you present. Give reasons
for differences of opinion or of results, and try to analyze causes.
Illustrate:
Use a figure, picture, diagram, or concrete example to explain or
clarify a problem.
Interpret:
Translate, give examples of, solve, or comment on, a subject, usually
giving your judgment about it.
Justify:
Prove or give reasons for decisions or conclusions, taking pains to be
convincing.
List:
As in “enumerate,” write an itemized series of concise statements.
Outline:
Organize a description under main points and subordinate points,
omitting minor details and stressing the arrangement or classification
of things.
Paraphrase:
Put the words of another into your own words.
Prove:
Establish that something is true by citing factual evidence or giving
clear logical reasons.
Relate:
Show how things are related to, or connected with, each other or how one
causes another, correlates with another, or is like another.
Review:
Examine a subject critically, analyzing and commenting on the important
statements to be made about it.
State:
Present the main points in brief, clear sequence, usually omitting
details, illustrations, or examples.
Synthesize:
Find the relationships among sources or ideas.
Summarize:
Give the main points or facts in condensed form, like the summary of a
chapter, omitting details and illustrations.
Trace:
In narrative form, describe progress, development, or historical events
from some point of origin.
