7 say terms explained ‘ioweb surrey.ac.uk ptroduction Townite @ good essay, you firstly need to ha Looking at the essay question in close de which instruct you how to answer the step in producing your essay, ve a clear understanding of what the essay question is asking you to do. ail will help you to identify the topic and ‘directive words’ (Dhann, 2001), {uestion. Understanding the meaning of these directive words isa vital frst } Tis essary Provides defintions of some of the more ypical words thal you may come across in an essay upston. ease note that these defiritons are meant to provide general, rather than exact guidance, and are not a eau for reading the question careful. Get this wrong, and you risk the chance of wring an essay that lacks focus, ors irelevant. Essayterm Definition = 72 k/hey catat “Analyse, Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments | land evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another. [ ‘Assess’ Weigh up to what extent something is true, Persuade the reader of your argument by citing . relevant research but also remember to point ut any flaws and counter-arguments as wel Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement withthe original proposition. Clarity Literally make something dearer and, where appropriate, simply i. This could involve, for ‘example, explaining in simpler terms a complex process or theory, or the relationship between, | two variables. ‘Comment Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, reinforcing your point of view using upon logic and reference to relevant evidence, including any wider reading you have done. Compare) _dentiy the similarities and diferences between two or more phenomena. Say if any ofthe shared similares or differences are more important than others, ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast will ten feature together in an essay question. Consider Say what you think and have observed about something. Back up your comments using ‘appropriate evidence from extemal sources, or your own experience. Include any views which ‘are contrary to your own and how they relate to what you originally thought Eorirasi) Similar to compare but concentrate onthe dissimilarities between two or more phenomena, or “what sets them apart. Point out any differences which are particulary significant. (Critically Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of research are true, or \evaluate to what extent you agree with them. Provide evidence taken from a wide range of sources which both agree with and contradict an argument. Come toa final conclusion, basing your decision on What you judge tobe the most important factors and justify how you have made your choice, ; Define ‘To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any problems posed with the definition and diferent interpretations that may exist. Demonstrate Show how, with examples to illustrat. \ Describe Provide detaledexplanaton as to haw and why something happens \ a ee fh dl \ Bibi 6 Cr Healy Gorminn CHC My Cekaste we + dibsey + Outont Drew Rl ade OF fab sult is is a wrtted debate where you are using your sil et reasoning. backed up by ily hss writer debate where you ae ud argument, oF pot out Ie janet af a re eoaenoer to ave at a conclusion. Discuss ~~~ Essen Careuly selected evidence to make a case for fdvantages and csadvantages ofa given contex To give in mote deta, provide more information on. Evaluste-_ Soe the explanation fr ‘realy evaluate cis ad irporant issues surrounding atopic. Ts Examine” Lookin dose deta ang esabish he Ky on Lookin owe deat a tlan you shou an ofr remso ao why te acs 2 Rahave ected are Poseaiei ence ‘the different ways they could De you have identited are the most important, as well as explain Consinies Crt atopic by vn 2 detaled account a io how and wy lt oceur, or whats ment PY the arty 80 tat complex. Explain (ise ofthis term ina particular context Your wring should ha ee snes or zequenees of events can be understood, defining Key terms where appropriate, fnd be substantiated with relevant research, Explore Adopt a questioning approach and considers vary of ifrent viewpoints, Where possible feconcle opposing views by presenting a final ine of argument Give an Means give a detailed description of somthing. Nat tobe confused wit account for which asks Sccount of you not only what, but why something happened. Identify Determine what ae the Key pons tbe addressed and implications thereof rkings of something ‘A simitar instruction to ‘explain whereby you are asked to show the wor ples and statsticsf appropriate to add weight to your explanation. making use of definite examy Interpret Demonstrate your understanding ofan issue or topic. This can be the use of particular onninOOaY Pear guthor ge what te findings rom a piece of research suggest to you. Inthe later instance, ‘on any significant pattems and causa relationships. lustrate ‘comment Justify Make a case by providing present a balanced argument, consider opinions which stating your conclusion, Convey the main points placing emphasis on global structures and interelationships rather than ‘a body of evidence to support your ideas and points of view. In order to may tun contrary to your own before: outtine minute detail. Review Look thoroughly into subject. This should be a critical assessment and not merely descriptive, Show how Present, ina logical order, and with reference to relevant evidence the stages and combination of factors that give rise to something State ‘To specify in clear terms the key aspects pertaining toa topic without being overty descriptive Refer to evidence and examples where appropriate. ‘Summarise Give a condensed version drawing out the main facts and omit superfluous information. Brief of general examples wil normally sufice for this kind of answer. Towhat Evokes a similar response to questions containing 'How far... This type of question calls for a ‘extent thorough assessment ofthe evidence in presenting your argument. Explore alternative explanations where they exist. References 41. Dhan, S., (2001) How to... Answer assignment questions’ Accessed 11/02/08, htp:iww education ex.ac-ukidlstudyskilslanswering_questions.him 213,