AP US History - Resources: Task Verbs

Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response.

COMPARE

Provide a description or explanation of similarities and/or differences.

DESCRIBE

Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic.

EVALUATE

Judge or determine the significance or importance of information, or the quality or accuracy of a claim.

EXPLAIN

Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning. Explain "how" typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome; whereas, explain "why" typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome.

IDENTIFY

Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.

SUPPORT AN ARGUMENT

Provide specific examples and explain how they support a claim.