Specific directive verbs

More common, predictable set of directive verbs

Analyse 

Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications 

Assess 

Make a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size 

Compare 

Show how things are similar or different 

Define 

State meaning and identify essential qualities 

Describe 

Provide characteristics and features 

Distinguish 

Recognise or note/indicate as being distinct or different from; to note differences between 

Evaluate 

Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of 

Explain 

Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how 

Identify 

Recognise and name 

Outline 

Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of 

Justify 

Support an argument or conclusion 

Explain

• This happens because …

• As a result …

• This means …

• This leads to …

• Therefore …

Analyse

• A key factor is …

• This affects …

• This results in …

• This shows that …

• This creates …

Discuss

• On one hand …

• On the other hand …

• Another point is …

• A benefit is …

• A drawback is …

Compare

• Similarly …

• In contrast …

• Unlike …

• Both have …

• Whereas …

Justify

• This is the best because …

• This is supported by …

• Evidence shows …

• This makes sense because …

• This is reasonable since …

Evaluate/assess

• Overall …

• To a large extent …

• To a limited extent …

• The strengths outweigh the weaknesses …

• However, its effectiveness depends on …

Describe

• The main feature is …

• This includes …

• This involves …

• It begins with …

• It continues with …

Identify

• The key point is …

• The main issue is …

• A major factor is …

• The important element is …

• This relates to …

Outline

• First …

• Next …

• Then …

• After that …

• Finally …

Define

• This refers to …

• This means …

• This is understood as …

• This can be described as …

• In simple terms …