Stage 1 - Analysing the essay question
• Read the question (aloud if it helps!) several times.
• Underline the words that tell you what approach to take (e.g.
discuss, assess, compare – see key words below).
• Highlight key words relating to the subject matter.
• Circle any other significant words that identify the scope of what you
have to write about (e.g. simply, fundamentally, only, merely,
currently, respectively).
• Note any terms that you need to define.
• Write the question out in your own words.
• In your introduction say how you interpret the question (e.g. by
rephrasing in your own words)
• In your conclusion, refer back to the question; show the reader that
you are still answering the set question.
• Write the question out in full on plans, notes and drafts to make sure
you do not lose sight of it.
Key words in essay titles
NB. You might find that the title you have been given does not contain
any of these key words. You will have to look carefully at the way the
question is phrased, along with any accompanying guidance as to what
is expected (e.g. learning outcomes in module guide) to establish what
sort of approach is required.
Account for
Give reasons for; explain why something happens.
Analyse
Break up into parts; investigate.
Comment on
Identify and write about the main issues; give your reactions based on
what you have read/heard in lectures. Avoid just personal opinion.
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Compare
Look for the similarities/differences between two things. Show the
relevance or consequences of these similarities. Perhaps conclude
which is preferable.
Contrast
Bring out the differences between two items or arguments. Show
whether the differences are significant. Perhaps give reasons why one
is preferable.
Critically evaluate
Weigh arguments for and against something, assessing the strength of
the evidence on both sides. Use criteria to guide your assessment of
which opinions, theories, models or items are preferable.
Define
Give the exact meaning of. Where relevant, show you understand how
the definition may be problematic.
Describe
Give the main characteristics or features of something, or outline the
main events.
Discuss
Investigate or examine by argument; sift and debate; give reasons for
and against; examine the implications.
Distinguish between
Bring out the differences between.
Evaluate
Assess and give your judgement about the merit, importance or
usefulness of something. Back your judgement with evidence.
Examine
Look closely into something.
Explain
Make clear why something happens, or is the way it is; interpret and
account for; give reasons for.
Explore
Examine thoroughly; consider from a variety of viewpoints.
Illustrate
Make something clear and explicit, giving examples of evidence.
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Interpret
Show the meaning and relevance of data or other material presented
Justify
Give evidence which supports an argument or idea; show why a
decision or conclusions were made; answer the main objections which
might be made.
Narrate
Outline what happened.
Outline
Give the main points/features/general principles; show the main
structure and interrelations; omit details and examples.
Relate
(a) Narrate
(b) Show similarities and connections between
State
Give the main features briefly and clearly.
Summarise
Draw out the main points only; omit details and examples.
To what extent
Consider how far something is true, or contributes to a final outcome.
Consider also ways in which it is not true.
Trace
Follow the development or history of an event or process.
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