SMILE
mainImage

Unit 2: Directional and instructional words

These are the words that tell you what to do, they are action words.

Example question:


Describe
the basic operating principle of a fuel cell, taking one specific fuel cell type as your example. Discuss the inherent advantages and disadvantages of the fuel cell in comparison with a conventional internal combustion engine

Other action words would include:

analyse

examine the main issues

argue

to give reasons for and against

compare

look at, identify similarities

contrast

consider differences


define

to make clear, to specify distinctly, to mark limits

describe

to give an account of

discuss

examine key points, arguments for and against

discuss

to consider or examine by argument, explore solutions; debate

evaluate

determine the significance or worth

examine

to study carefully or critically; test knowledge

identify

to ascertain the origin, nature, or definitive characteristics of

illustrate

to present a clarification, example, or explanation

interpret

to explain something; give an explanation.

interpret

provide the meaning of; explain

justify

to demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid

outline

to give the main features or various aspects of

review

to examine and look at, or look over again

summerize

to express in concise terms


Dictionary.com [online] (accessed 14/04/07 http://dictionary.reference.com/) First Year Experience Series: ANALYSING AN ESSAY QUESTION ã 2001 Learning Centre, University of Sydney [online] (accessed 14/04/07 http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/documents/learning_centre/AnalyseEssayQuestion.doc)The Learning Centre [online] (accessed 14/04/07 http://www.ncistudent.net/StudySkills/WritingSkills/Essay1.htm#2000)

Creative Commons License
SMILE by Imperial College, Loughborough University and the University of Worcester, modified by Marion Kelt Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License