Directive | Definition |
1. Analyse | Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another. Arrive at an appropriate conclusion if the word ‘Critically’ is added to Analyse i.e Critically analyse |
2. Assess | Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the examiner of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter-arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition. |
3. Compare | Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of the shared similarities or differences are more important than others. ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’ will often feature together in a question. |
4. Contrast | Similar to compare but concentrate on the dissimilarities between two or more phenomena, or what sets them apart. Point out any differences which are particularly significant. |
5. Describe | Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens. |
6. Discuss | Essentially this is a directive where you will use your skill at reasoning, backed up by carefully selected evidence to make a case for and against an argument, or point out the advantages and disadvantages of a given context. Remember to arrive at a conclusion. |
7. Evaluate | Similar to Discuss, but with more emphasis on a judgement in the conclusion. |
8. Critically evaluate | Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of given question are true, or to what extent you agree with them. Provide evidence taken from a wide range of sources which both agree with and contradict an argument. Come to a final conclusion, basing your decision on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how you have made your choice. |
9. Elaborate | To give in more detail, provide more information on. |
10. Examine | Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic. This should be a critical evaluation and you should try and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the most important, as well as explain the different ways they could be construed. |
11. Critically Examine | Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic by mentioning pros and cons for the given statement and arrive at a balanced conclusion |
12. Explain | Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or what is meant by the use of this term in a particular context. Your writing should have clarity so that complex procedures or sequences of events can be understood, defining key terms where appropriate, and be substantiated with relevant research. |
13. Illustrate | A similar instruction to ‘explain’ whereby you are asked to show the workings of something, making use of definite examples and statistics if appropriate to add weight to your explanation. |
14. Comment | Write various facts and viewpoints regarding the particular statement. |
15. Critically Comment | An extension to the above directive. Include pros and cons, Positives and negatives |
16. Justify | Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas and points of view. In order to present a balanced argument, consider opinions which may run contrary to your own before stating your conclusion. |
17. Define | To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any problems posed with the definition and different interpretations that may exist. |
18. Outline | Convey the main points placing emphasis on global structures and interrelationships rather than minute detail. |
Thus, the following directives Assess, Discuss, Evaluate, Critically Evaluate, Critically Analyse, Critically Examine, Critically Comment and Justify need a conclusion in the answer.