You’ve received your next set of essay instructions for class. As you probably know, a large part of your overall performance with the work will hinge on how well you are able to understand it (probably more than the quality of your writing). Failure to follow guidelines is one of the most cardinal mistakes you can commit. Like failing to properly proofread or use a writing correction software, it is one that will likely leave you with a bad score.
Look at the main verb used in the instructions. That’s about the biggest clue you can get regarding what you’ll have to do for the essay. The following list groups all of these usual verbs and details exactly what they mean when you see them on your assignment.
Analyze. This means dividing the issue into various parts, discussing each one.
Argue. Give your opinion on the subject, supporting it with evidence and facts.
Assess. Study a subject and make a judgment about its value. Discuss what’s good and bad about it, detailing your criteria for evaluation.
Classify. This entails organizing the subject into categories, providing supporting arguments why each grouping makes sense.
Describe. This means giving an account of the subject, both in terms of physical and non-tangible characteristics.
Discuss. Discussing a subject refers to the processing of pointing out its main issues and characteristics, proceeding to elaborate on each one.
Evaluate. Perform the same activities as assessing a subject matter.
Explain. Dive right into clarifying your position, argument or topic by any of a variety of means, including analyzing, arguing, evaluating and defining them.
Identify. Label and describe the subject matter.
Illustrate. Provide examples of the main topic.
Relate. Point out relationships between the subjects listed and discuss these connections.
Summarize. Describe the main ideas and explain the matter in concise form.
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