Key Verbs Exam Questions (Ms Sam's notes)

ANALYSE

ANALYSE

Break an issue down into its component parts; discuss them and show how they interrelate.

ARGUE

Make a case

ASSESS

Estimate the value or importance of something

COMPARE

Look for similarities and differences between.

CONTRAST

Set in opposition in order to bring out differences.

CRITICISE

Give your judgement about the merit of theories or opinions or about the truth of facts

DEFINE

Set down the precise meaning of the word or phrase

DESCRIBE

Give a detailed or graphic account.

DISCUSS

Investigate or examine by argument; sift and debate giving reasons for and against.

EXPLAIN

Tell how things work or how they came to be the way they are.

IDENTIFY

Pick out what you regard as the key features of something

ILLUSTRATE

Use a figure or diagram to explain or clarify

JUSTIFY

Express valid reasons for accepting a particular interpretation or conclusion.

OUTLINE

Indicate the main features of a topic or sequence of events

PROVE

Demonstrate or establish the truth or accuracy

RELATE

Explain how things are connected to each other and to what extent they are alike or affect each other.

REVIEW

To make a survey of

STATE

Present in brief

SUMMARISE

Give a concise account of the chief points or substance of the matter

TRACE

Follow the development or history of a topic form some point of origin.