Instruction terms

Instructions

Instruction terms are often used in exam questions.

They tell you what to do with the subject of the question.

The exact meaning of these terms varies depending on the subject.

The following show what they normally mean for essays and exam questions.

Take care

Think carefully about the meaning of these terms in relation to the remainder of the question.

Try to understand exactly what an instruction is asking you to do - but be reasonable.

Don't look for problems where they might not exist.

If in doubt, ask your teacher. Print these pages for reference.

account for
Explain the reasons for, giving an indication of all relevant circumstances. Not to be confused with 'Give an account of' which asks only for a detailed description.

analyse
Study in depth, identifying, describing, and criticising in detail the main characteristics.

argue
Put forward a proposition, then illustrate it, discuss its significance, and defend it against possible counter-charges.

assess
Examine closely, with a view to 'weighing up' a particular situation. Consider in a balanced way the strengths and weaknesses or points for and against a proposition. In conclusion, state your judgement clearly.

calculate
Reckon or compute by mathematical means.

clarify
Simplify and make clear.

comment
State clearly and in moderate fashion your opinions on the material in question. Support your views with reference to suitable evidence or explanations.

compare
Look for similarities and differences between two or more things.

consider
Express your thoughts and observations about something.

contrast
Deliberately single out and emphasise the differences and dissimilarities between two or more things.

criticise
Give your judgement about a statement or a body of work; explore its implications, discussing all the evidence which is available. Be specific in your examination.

define
Set down the precise meaning of something. Be prepared to state the limits of the definition. Take note of multiple meanings if they exist.

demonstrate
Show how, and prove by giving examples.

describe
Give a detailed and comprehensive account of.

develop
Expand on something, taking it further.

distinguish
Explain the differences between.

discuss
Investigate and examine by careful argument. Explore the implications and the advantages or disadvantages. Debate the case and possibly consider any alternatives. This is probably the most common instruction term. It is inviting you to say something interesting in response to the topic in question. You can choose your own approach.

elaborate
Add further details to something.

enumerate
Make an ordered list, giving the main features or general principles - and omitting details.

evaluate
Make an appraisal of the worth of something in the light of its truth or utility. Emphasise the views of authorities as well as your personal estimation.

examine
Enquire into, attempt to discover, investigate, look closely into something.

expand
Go into more detail.

explain
Make plain. Account for. Clarify, interpret, and spell out the material you present, giving reasons for important features or developments.

explore
Approach in a questioning manner, and consider from a variety of viewpoints.

give an account of
Describe in some detail, and explain fully.

how
In what way, by what means or method, or to what extent.

how far ...
Similar to questions which begin 'To what extent...'. You are expected to make your case or present your argument, whilst showing an awareness that alternate or even contradictory explanations may exist. Careful assessment and weighing of evidence are called for.

identify
Pick out the key features or important issues of something.

illustrate
Make clear and explicit by the discussion of concrete examples.

interpret
Explain the meaning of something, make clear and explicit - using your own judgement, experience, or opinion.

justify
Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions. Answer or refute the main objections likely to be made against them.

list
Make a list or catalogue of things.

outline
Give the main features or the general principles of a subject, omitting minor details and emphasising structure or arrangement.

prove
Demonstrate the truth or falsity of something, by presenting evidence.

relate
Show how things are connected, and how they possibly affect, cause, or resemble each other.

review
Make a survey of, examining the subject critically.

show
Reveal or disclose (in some form of logical sequence).

state
Present the main points in brief, clear form.

summarise
Give a concise account of the main points of a matter, omitting details and examples.

to what extent
Similar to questions which begin 'How far...'. You are expected to make your case or present your argument, whilst showing an awareness that alternate or even contradictory explanations may exist. Careful assessment and weighing of evidence are called for.

trace
Follow the development or history of a topic from some point of origin. Explain stage by stage.

translate
Express in a different form, or convert from one language to another.

verify
Show to be true, or confirm.