Vocabulary List 23: Test Prep (Direction Words)

pict

(morpheme)

paint; portray

analyze

To examine something in detail in order to understand it

explain

To make something clear to the reader by using description, relevant facts, or ideas

illustrate

To make something more clear or visible so that the reader may better understand it

compare

to describe how things are alike

contrast

to describe how things are different

interpret

To explain the meaning of

something; to present something in

understandable terms

summarize

To briefly retell the main ideas of a piece of writing

demonstrate

To show; to explain something in clear terms

indicate

To point out something

infer

To use textual evidence and background knowledge to make an educated guess

describe

To depict; to create a picture in words; to note the details of something

support

To defend; to back up with reasons and/or evidence

define

To state the meaning of something

convey

To communicate an idea; to carry an idea or message across to the reader