Saturday, October 1, 2011

Instructions Used in Academic Reading and Writing

Analyze           Break the subject (an object, event, or concept) down into parts, and describe the various parts. 
Compare        Show how two things are similar as well as different; include details or examples
Contrast         Show how two things are different; including details or examples
Critique          Point out both the good and bad points of something
Define            Give an accurate meaning of a term with enough detail to show that you really understand it
Describe        Write about the subject so the reader can easily visualize it; tell how it looks or happened, including how, who, where, and why
Diagram          Make a drawing of something, and label its parts
Discuss          Give a complete and detailed answer, including important characteristics and main points
Evaluate         Give your opinion of the value of the subject; discuss its good and bad points, strengths and weaknesses
Explain           Give the meaning of something; give facts and details that make the idea easy to understand. 
Illustrate         Make the point or idea clear by giving examples
Interpret         Tell about the importance of the subject.  Explain the results or the effects of something. 
Justify             Give good reasons that support a specific decision, action, or event. 
Outline           Make an organized listing of the important points of a subject
Persuade       Give good reasons in order to get someone to either do or believe something; try to appeal to both the reader’s feelings and mind
Prove             Show that something is true by giving facts or logical reasons
Relate             Show how things are alike or connected. 
State               Give the main points in brief, clear form
Summarize     Briefly cover the main points; use a paragraph form
Trace              Tell about an event of process in chronological order

No comments:

Post a Comment