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    Direction words for academic writing tasks

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    darthrevan495

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    Direction words for academic writing tasks

    Uploaded by

    darthrevan495
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    9 views1 page

    Direction words for academic writing tasks

    Uploaded by

    darthrevan495

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    DIRECTION WORDS FOR ACADEMIC WRITING

    Academic topics - direction words for essays, reports and short answer questions
    Ask yourself the question ‘What exactly am I being asked to do for this essay/report/exam question?
    What is the task?’

    Before you begin to plan your essay/report/exam question, you are required to understand the task.
    That is, what you are being asked to do. The task contains the subject of the essay and the direction
    words. Here are some that you may find.

    argue state the point you want to make, explain further with reasons and causes, prove it with
    research

    analyse describe the components, or parts, of a situation and explain how they are related

    compare describe the similarities between two situations or theories

    contrast describe the differences between two situations or theories

    define say what something is, what it consists of, what it means

    demonstrate use an example or specific process to make evident how something works

    describe write in detail the main points or characteristics in a logical sequence

    discuss look at all sides of an issue in a balanced way, giving reasons for and against the issue

    enumerate list the main ideas

    evaluate Present a judgement of an issue by stressing both strengths and advantages, and
    weaknesses and limitations. The emphasis is on assessing the value, worth or relevance of
    the matter under scrutiny.

    examine report all the known facts about a situation and evaluate these facts in a critical way, looking
    for causes and consequences

    explain report the reasons or causes for a situation or describe how something functions. Questions
    will ask for examples to ensure your explanations show understanding of concepts

    identify name something, say what it is

    justify Like the direction for argue, to persuade your readers why something is necessary, using
    relevant evidence

    outline briefly describe an event or a theory, using some detail to support your description

    review give a brief survey of a set of theories or arguments, and evaluate these theories or
    arguments

    summarise give a short account of the main points, leaving out details and examples

    (adapted from Summers & Smith 2010)

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