Commonly used task words

Word

Meaning

analyse

examine closely; examine something in terms of its parts and show how they are related to each other

argue

present a case for and/or against something

assess

decide the value of

compare

discuss two things in terms of their similarities and differences

contrast

discuss two things emphasising their differences

criticise

give a judgment about the value of something and support that judgement with evidence

define

make clear what is meant by ...; use a definition or definitions to explore the concept of ...

describe

present a detailed account of ...

discuss

consider and offer some interpretation or evaluation of ...; present and give a judgement on the value of the arguments for and against an issue

enumerate

give an item-by-item account of ...

evaluate

attempt to form a judgement about

examine

inspect something in detail and investigate the implications

explain

make clear the details of ...; show the reason for, or underlying cause of, or the means by which something occurs

illustrate

offer an example or examples to show how/that; make concrete the concept of ...

interpret

make clear the meaning of something and its implications

justify

give reasons why certain decisions should be made, or certain conclusions reached

outline

go through and identify briefly the main features of something

prove

show by logical argument

review

report the chief facts about ...; offer a criticism of ...

summarise

describe something concisely

trace

identify and describe the development or history of something from some point, or from its origin