Essay Terms
Analyze: determine the nature and relationship of the component parts of; explain the importance of; break down
Assess: judge the value or character of something; appraise; evaluate
Compare: examine for the purpose of noting similarities and differences; focusing more on similarities
Contrast: compare to show unlikeness or points of difference
Criticize: make judgments as to merits and faults; criticism may approve or disapprove, or both
Define: give the meaning; determine or fix the boundaries or extent
Describe: give an account; tell about; form a word picture
Discuss or Examine: talk over; write about; consider by argument from various points of view; debate; present the different sides
Enumerate or List: mention or itemize separately; name one after another (one should always assume that “list” is accompanied by “explain”)
Evaluate: determine the value; give the good points and the bad; appraise; give an opinion regarding the value of; discuss the advantages and disadvantages
Explain: to make known in detail; tell the meaning of; make clear the cause or reason
Illustrate: make clear or intelligible as by examples
In What Ways: identify specific examples that did whatever your verb marks
Interpret: explain the meaning; make plain; present your thinking about
Justify: show good reasons; present your evidence; offer facts to support your position
Prove: establish the truth of something by giving factual evidence or logical reasons
Relate: show how things are connected with each other or how one causes another
Summarize: state or express in concise form; give the main points briefly
To What Extent: note the impact, a lot, a little, substantial, greatest, etc. of the impact of your topic
Trace: follow the course
