◆ GLOSSARY OF BEHAVIOURAL VERBS USED IN THE

COMMUNICATION STUDIES EXAMINATIONS

WORD TASK

Analyse / Write an analysis of Explain or interpret information by examining its

constitution or structure methodically as directed.
An analysis may involve identifying matters such as
dialectal varieties, attitudes to language, and
authorial tone.

For example:
In an essay of no more than 300 words, write an
analysis of the extract taking into consideration:

(i) dialectal variation

(ii) attitudes to language
(iii) communicative behaviours.

Comment Give your views or reaction. This verb is typically

used in a question that seeks the candidate’s views
on the effectiveness of a literary or language device.
For example:
Choose ONE of the metaphors and comment on its
effectiveness.

Compose Make up, develop, form or create.

For example:
Compose FOUR questions that should be included
in the questionnaire.

Express similarities and differences between at least

Compare and contrast
two entities. ‘Compare’ refers to the similarities,
while ‘contrast’ refers the differences. An alternative
expression is ‘State/Discuss similarities and
differences’.
For example:

(1) Compare and contrast Tiger’s speech and

Urmilla’s.

(2) Discuss similarities and differences

between Tiger’s speech and Urmilla’s.

Define State precisely the meaning, nature or scope of

(often with an illustration). This verb is usually used
in relation to words/phrases.
For example:
Define the term “dialect”.

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Describe Provide an account of something or an issue in
words, including its significant characteristics or
traits.
For example:
Describe how history has influenced the language
situation in a named territory you have studied.

Discuss Provide an extended answer that explores related

concepts and issues, using detailed examples but not
necessarily drawing a conclusion.

For example:
In an essay of no more than 500 words, discuss the
following:
(a) The dialectal variation in the passage;
(b) How film would effectively capture the
communicative behaviours in this extract.

Explain Make something (usually an idea, situation or

problem clear by describing it in more detail or
giving more information on it.
For example:
Two students are overheard discussing sources to be
used for the research.
Paul: I say we should forget that article from “The
Gazette” and concentrate instead on parents as a
source.
Beryl: No way!
Explain how EACH of the sources mentioned in the
dialogue above could be used in the research.

Judge or determine the value of material (usually

Evaluate informationand its sources) for a given purpose.
For example:
Evaluate the reliability of the information.

Provide (usually short, concise answers).

Give /State For example:
(1) Give TWO reasons for your answers.
(2) State the writer’s main point in no more than 30
words.

Identify Extract the relevant information from a stimulus

without explanation.
For example:
1 (a): Identify FOUR features of non – verbal
communication that a politician might use in a
debate in parliament.

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 Give an explanation (for a response or situation).
For example:
1 (b) Justify one of the features in your answer in 1 (a)
above.

Western Zone Office

7 May 2010

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