Understanding the question
Directional or instructional words
Directional or instructional words
These are the words that tell you what to do, they are action words.
Example question:
Describe the basic operating principle of a fuel cell, taking one specific fuel cell type as your example. Discuss the inherent advantages and disadvantages of the fuel cell in comparison with a conventional internal combustion engine.
Other action words would include:
analyse |
argue |
compare |
contrast |
define |
describe |
discuss |
evaluate |
examine |
justify |
outline |
review |
identify |
illustrate |
interpret |
summarise |
Dictionary.com [online] (accessed 14/04/07 http://dictionary.reference.com/)
First Year Experience Series: ANALYSING AN ESSAY QUESTION ã 2001 Learning Centre, University of Sydney [online] (accessed 14/04/07) http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/documents/learning_centre/AnalyseEssayQuestion.doc)The Learning Centre [online] (accessed 14/04/07 http://www.ncistudent.net/StudySkills/WritingSkills/Essay1.htm#2000
SMILE by Imperial College, Loughborough University and the University of Worcester, modified by Marion Kelt Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.