Important Words Found in Essay Questions
Analyze
· Divide a complex whole into its component parts by determining and explaining how something has been done or why it has occurred.
· Details in the essay should work toward proving your thesis and should relate back to your thesis
· Do Not Narrate
Narration – George Washington was a great American President
Analysis – George Washington’s appointment of some of the finest minds in the United
States to his first cabinet insured his place in history as one of the greatest presidents.
Assess the Validity
· Examine the complex statement and decide whether you agree, disagree, or can make valid point on both sides.
· Rephrase the thesis and relate or tie your argument into the thesis statement
Compare and Contrast
· Look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other. Emphasize similarities among them
· Stress the dissimilarities and differences of things, qualities, events or problems.
Define
· Recount, characterize, sketch, or relate in sequence
Discuss
· Examine, analyze carefully, and give a detailed explanation of what is being asked
· Be complete and give details
Evaluate
· Carefully appraise the problem citing both advantages and limitations
· Emphasize the idea of authorities on the subject
· Explain how the statement applies
Evaluate the Relative Importance of…
· Decide which is the most important, the second most important, and the least important of the choices offered, being sure to explain why you reached the conclusion you did
Justify
· Prove or give reasons for your decisions or conclusions, taking time to be convincing
List
· Write an itemized series of concise statements
Relate
· Show how things are connected with each other, how one causes another, how one correlates with another, or how one is like another
Summarize
· Give the main points or facts in condensed form omitting details and illustrations
· Do not introduce new material in a summary (Used in conclusions)
To what extent
· These words are asking you to decide whether what is being described has been done to a great extent, a medium extent, or to a lesser extent.
· When you have reached a decision, you need to cite examples that support your reasoning.