| The words below are "directives" used by
instructors when they want you to to answer a question, prepare
a report or write a paper in a particular way. Knowing the
definitions of these directives and then presenting the
information asked for in the correct way will help to insure
that you get the grade that your hard work deserves.
Compare - Examine the
objects given or selected with the intent to discover
similarities between them. How do they resemble each other is of
primary concern although differences may also be mentioned.
Contrast - Examine the
objects given or selected with the intent to discover
differences. How they are unlike each other is of primary
concern.
Criticize - Make a
judgment as to the merit, effectiveness, utility or correctness
of the object in question. Discuss the limitations as well as
the good points of the subject.
Define - Become a
dictionary. Present a clear, concise definition of the subject,
noting the class to which the subject belongs and the
characteristics that differentiate it from others in it's class.
Describe - Define the
subject and then flesh it out in narrative form.
Diagram - Present a
chart, graph, drawing or other graphic representation of your
answer. You should label the diagram and explain it if
necessary.
Discuss - Give a complete
and detailed presentation of the subject matter including all of
the main points and essential details, the pros and cons of the
problem using illustrations and examples. Show your complete
understanding of the subject.
Enumerate - Make a
concise list of the relevant points. Similar to an
outline without the sub
headings.
Evaluate - Present an
appraisal of the problem stressing the pros, cons, advantages
and limitations.
Explain - State the how
and why. Seek to clarify the subject by exposing the method by
which it works and what causes it to what it does.
Illustrate - Explain or
clarify the subject using a diagram
or a concrete example.
Interpret - Similar to
explain except that you may give your own personal reaction or
judgment of the situation if relevant.
Justify - See
prove below.
List - See
enumerate above.
Outline - Give an
organized description of the main points and essential details
of the subject usually in the form of a numbered list with
indented sub headings.
Prove - Establish the
answer with certainty by using experimental evidence or logical
reasoning.
Relate - Show the
relationships, connections and associations of the subjects in
descriptive form.
Review - Analyze and
comment in an organized sequence on the major points of the
subject in the form of a critical evaluation.
State - Express the high
points in a clear narrative form.
Summarize - Give the main
facts in a condensed form. Omit any illustrations, examples,
details and elaboration.
Trace - Show the progress
of the subject in a historical sequence, or it's development
from it's point of origin. Requires a narrative description and
may call for probing or deduction. |
