Analysing the task: direction words

Examples

Here are some examples of common direction words and their definitions.

• View examples

  Direction word	What you need to do
  account for	Give a justified explanation of why and how something is the case.
  analyse	Divide into parts or elements to discover the nature of something. Describe the function and relationships of the parts to identify possible problems or weaknesses.
  argue	Make a case for accepting or rejecting a position by systematically giving reasons and evidence for or against it. Demonstrate that you are aware of opposing viewpoints and provide grounds for rejecting them.
  assess	Examine from different viewpoints, weighing up strengths and weaknesses. Make a considered judgement.
  calculate	Work out exactly.
  comment on	Provide an informed and supported viewpoint.
  compare	Identify characteristics that are similar. Also stress differences where relevant.
  contrast/differentiate/distinguish	Identify characteristics that are different. Emphasise similarities where appropriate.
  critical(ly)/criticise/critique	Analyse systematically from different perspectives and identify positive aspects as well as limitations. Draw conclusions from the analysis and express as informed judgement. This does not mean to criticise in only negative terms.
  define	Determine essential qualities. State concise and clear meanings but omit details. Mark the limits of the definition and emphasise differences to similar items or objects.
  derive	Work out by reasoning or deduction (from general to specific).
  describe	Characterise, recount and relate systematically.
  determine	Come to conclusions about after calculations or discussion.
  discuss	First analyse and then critically examine in detail. Consider pros and cons in order to come to a supported assessment and conclusion
  enumerate	Give a listing, number.
  estimate	Work out an approximate or rough figure or judgement.
  evaluate	Examine from different viewpoints, weighing up strengths and weaknesses. Make a considered judgement.
  examine	Investigate closely, paying attention to detail and considering implications.
  explain	Make something clear by elaborating on it. Give reasons and try to analyse causes.
  give an account of	Describe, and give a list of reasons for something.
  identify	Establish or say what it is distinguish from other items, point out.
  illustrate	Explain and clarify using concrete examples, data, diagrams, etc.
  interpret	Explain something and make its meaning explicit. Give your own judgment
  justify	Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions
  list	Present in an ordered way.
  outline	Present the main features and how they relate to each other in a logical order. Include all main points and omit details.
  prove	Show that something is true by presenting facts, statistics, examples etc. Note: prove has a particular meaning in the mathematical/physics context.
  relate	Narrate or tell about, show how things are connected to each other and to what extent they are alike.
  review	Survey and examine critically and comprehensively. Comment on controversial aspects.
  state	Present the main points briefly and clearly. Omit details and examples.
  suggest	Give ideas about, suggest.
  summarise	Give a short and clear description of the main points.
  trace	Follow the development of a something from a particular point in time.