Table 1 Keywords (‘process words’) and phrases frequently used in assignment questions

Key Process Words / Phrases
	
Expected Approach	
Account for/give an account of	Explain, clarify, give reasons for.	
Analyse	Break down the content of a topic or issue into its constituent elements, examine critically or in fine detail, in order to provide an in-depth account and convey an understanding of it.	
Annotate	Add to a diagram, image or graphic a number of words that describe and/or explain features, rather than merely identify them (which would be ‘labelling’).	
Argue	Make a case for or against a given point of view; points raised must be supported with appropriate evidence.	
Assess	Appraise, consider, weigh up or determine the value of options or arguments, in order to arrive at a conclusion about effectiveness or validity; offer a reasoned judgement of the standard/quality informed by relevant evidence – see also Evaluate.	
Compare	Look for and describe the similarities (common features) and differences of at least two phenomena, perhaps reach a conclusion about the relative merits of each, and justify your opinion, referring to specific points.	
Contrast	Point out the differences between at least two phenomena; set two or more components (e.g. opinions, theories, methods etc.) in opposition in order to bring out the differences clearly.	
Compare and contrast	Find some points of common ground between two or more items and show where or how they differ; if appropriate give reasons why one may be preferable over the other(s).	
Comment on	Make a statement that arises from a factual point made – add a view, or an opinion, or an interpretation.	
Critically evaluate or assess	Invites a more in-depth examination of an issue with a particular focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the points of view being expressed; weigh arguments for and against, base these on the strength of evidence presented, and use criteria to guide your assessment.	
Criticise	Make a judgement (backed by a reasoned discussion of the evidence) of the relative merits of theories, opinions or facts, as a basis for making assertions and drawing your conclusions.	
Define	State the precise meaning, nature or scope of an idea or a concept; perhaps examine and clarify different possible or often-used definitions, and where relevant show that you understand why the definition may be problematic.	
Demonstrate	Show in an explicit way.	
Describe	Give a detailed account of a phenomenon, including relevant characteristics or qualities.	

Determine	Find out and decide relevance; find a solution by following a set of procedures.	
Discuss	Give an account that addresses a range of ideas and arguments, focusing on the most important aspects; explain the background, then draw out the various viewpoints that are relevant to the issue, and highlight any implications; there should be some evidence of balance (setting out both sides of an argument, for and against, for example), but not necessarily of equal weighting.	
Distinguish/differentiate between	Look for differences between two issues.	
Evaluate	Make a judgement (taking into account different factors and using available knowledge, experience and evidence) of the importance, validity, usefulness or effectiveness of an issue or a topic; giving appropriate evidence to support your view (for and against), and usually drawing a conclusion based on this.	
Examine	Consider, inspect or scrutinise the topic or argument carefully and in detail, and determine its validity; investigate closely.	
Explain	Give details about how and why (purpose and reasons), set out causes and/or influencing factors.	
Explore	Find out about.	
How far/to what extent	Form and express an opinion as to the merit or validity of a view or statement after examining available evidence; look at arguments for and against and weigh them up in terms of their value. 	
Identify	Recognise, list, name or otherwise characterise.	
Illustrate 	Make clear and explicit (extract the key points) using carefully chosen examples; may require you to outline criteria to support your selection.	
Interpret	Give the meaning and relevance of material presented; translate information into recognisable form; convey your understanding to others; explain the meaning of something.	
Investigate	Inquire into a situation, topic or an issue.	
Justify	Give reasons to support a particular argument, point of view, action, decision or conclusion reached based on evidence; provide evidence to support the position (through examples or reasoned argument), and mention any main objections or arguments against the position (involves discussing and discounting alternative views or actions).	
Outline	Provide a brief account of relevant information covering the main points; indicate the main features or general principles of a topic or sequence of events, omitting minor details, but emphasising the structure, framework or arrangement (showing how these relate).	
Review	Survey a topic, information, methods, outcomes or conclusions with an emphasis on ‘assess’ rather than ‘describe’.	
State 	Express in precise (concise, clear and unequivocal) terms.	
Suggest	Produce and put forward an idea for consideration; give possible alternatives.	
Summarise	Give a clear, short description, explanation or account in your own words, focusing on the main issues or features – see also Outline.