Key Terms Used in Essay Questions and their Meaning
Test questions may also use the terms disagree, prove, argue, assert, challenge, claim, confirm, convince defend, justified, persuade, promote, qualify, specify, support, verify in asking questions.The following words are commonly found in exams essay questions
KEY-WORDS USED IN ESSAY QUESTIONS
ANALYZE
Divide into parts and show the relationship among the parts.
COMPARE
When you are asked to compare, you should examine qualities, or
characteristics, in order to discover resemblances. The term compare is usually stated as compare with, and it implies that you are to emphasize similarities, although differences may be mentioned.
CONTRAST
When you are instructed to contrast, you should stress dissimilarities, differences, or unlikeness of associated things, qualities, events, or problems.
CRITICIZE
In a criticism you should express your judgement with respect to the correctness or merit of the factors under consideration. You are expected to give the result of your own analysis and to discuss both limitations and good points.
DEFINE
Definitions call for concise, clear, authoritative meanings. In such statements, elaborate details are seldom required, but boundaries or limitations of the definition should be cited.
DESCRIBE
Tell in detail about something, giving its particular characteristics and qualities.
DIAGRAM
In a question which specifies a diagram, you should present a drawing, chart, plan, or other graphic representation in your answer. Generally, the student is also expected to label the diagram and, in some cases, to add a brief explanation or description of it.
DISCUSS
The term discusses, which appears often in essay questions, directs you to examine, analyze carefully, and present considerations pro and con regarding the problems or items involved. This type of question calls for a complete and detailed answer.
ENUMERATE
The word enumerate specifies a list or outline form of reply. In such a question you should recount, one by one, in concise form, the points required.
EVALUATE
In an evaluation question you are expected to present a careful appraisal, stressing both advantages and limitations. Evaluation implies authoritative and, in a lesser degree, personal appraisal. Thus, you are expected to make a value judgement on the subject.
EXPLAIN
In explanatory answers it is imperative that you clarify, elucidate, and interpret the material you present. In such an answer it is best to state the “how” and “why,” reconcile any differences in opinion or experimental results, and, where possible, state causes. The aim is to make plain the conditions, which give rise to whatever you are examining.
ILLUSTRATE
A question which asks you to illustrate usually requires you to explain or clarify your answer to the problem by presenting a figure, diagram, or concrete example.
INTERPRET
An interpretation question is similar to one requiring explanation. You are expected to translate, exemplify, solve or comment upon the subject and usually to give your judgement or reaction to the problem.
JUSTIFY
When you are instructed to justify your answer, you must prove your thesis or show grounds for decisions. In such an answer, evidence should be presented in convincing form.
LIST
Listing is similar to enumeration. You are expected in such questions to present an itemized series or tabulation. Such answers should always be concise.
OUTLINE
An outline answer is organized description. You should give main points and essential supplementary materials, omit minor details, and present the information in a systematic arrangement or classification.
PROVE
A question, which requires proof is one which demands confirmation or verification. In such discussions you should establish something with certainty, by evaluating and citing experimental evidence, or by logical reasoning, with sufficient examples.
RELATE
In a question which asks you to show the relationship between concepts, you should emphasize connections and associations, usually in descriptive form.
REVIEW
A review usually specifies a critical examination. You should analyze and comment briefly, in organization sequence, upon the major points of the problem.
STATE
In questions, which direct you to specify, give, state, or present, you are called upon to express the high points in brief, clear form. Details and examples may be omitted.
SUMMARIZE
When you are asked to summarize or present a summary, you should give in condensed form the main points or facts.
TRACE
When a question asks you to trace a course of events, you are to give a description of progress, historical sequence, or development from the point of origin. Such questions may call for probing or for deductions.
