The following words appear frequently in essay questions. Know their meanings and plan your answer accordingly. Adapted from C. Bird and D.M. Bird, Learning More by Effective Study, Appleton Century Crofts, New York, 1945, pp. 195-198.
Compare: Look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other. Emphasize similarities among them but if appropriate, mention differences as well.
Contrast: Stress the dissimilarities or differences of things, qualities, events, or problems.
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 formal definitions (item+class+differentiation). Do not give details, unless asked to amplify, but make sure to state the limits of the definition. Show how the thing you are defining differs from the other items in that class.
Describe: Characterize, sketch, relate, or recount in sequence or narrative form.
Diagram: Give a drawing, chart, plan, or graphic sketch. In most cases you should label a diagram. In some cases, you will want to add a brief explanation or description.
Discuss: Examine, analyze carefully, and give reasons for and against the assertion you are discussing. Be complete and be sure to give supporting details.
Enumerate: Write in a 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 own personal evaluation.
Explain: Clarify, interpret, and spell out the materials that you are presenting. Give reasons for differences of opinion or of results, and then try to analyze causes.
Illustrate: Use a concrete example, figure, picture, or diagram to explain or clarify a problem.
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