ASSIGNMENT VERBS

Knowing what the verbs in your assignment actually mean will help you to do it!

Verb

Means . . .

Analyse

Consider in detail for the purpose of finding meaning or relationships, and identifying patterns, similarities and differences; To examine the whole to find out its parts and the relationships of those parts

NOTE: Critical Analysis is subjective writing because it expresses the writer’s opinion or evaluation of a text

Argue

Give reasons for or against something

Communicate

To transmit information so that it is satisfactorily understood

Compare

Estimate, measure or note how things are similar or dissimilar

Contrast

Compare in such a way as to emphasise differences

Define      

To determine the essential qualities of; to set forth the meaning of; to fix or mark the limits of

Describe

Give an account of characteristics or features

Discuss

Talk or write about a topic, taking into account different issues or ideas

Evaluate

Examine or judge the merit or significance of something

Examine

Determine the nature or condition of

Explain      

Provide additional information that demonstrates understanding of reasoning and/or application; To make plain or understandable

Identify

To show the identity or individuality of

Interpret

Draw meaning from

Investigate

Plan, inquire into and draw conclusions about

Justify

Show how an argument or conclusion is just, right or reasonable

Outline

To indicate the main features or parts of

Sequence

Arrange in order

Summarise

Give a brief statement of the main points

Synthesise

Combine elements (information/ideas/components) into a coherent whole

Note: Some of these definitions were taken from the BSSS website and some were modified from Britannica for Teens