PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!!!

Dear Friends and Fellow Students

Writing essays can be very challenging but extremely satisfying if not rewarding. It is essential that the question is properly read and understood.   Her are some key terms normally used.

COMPARE

Look for similarities and differences between; perhaps reach a conclusion about which is preferable.

CONTRAST

Set in opposition in order to bring out differences

CRITICISE

Give your judgment about the merit of theories or opinions or about the truth of facts; back your judgment by discussion of evidence or reason involved.

DEFINE

Set down the precise meaning of a word or phrase. In some cases it may be necessary or desirable to examine different possible or often used definitions

DESCRIBE

Give a detailed or graphic account of.

DISCUSS

Investigate or examine by argument; sift and debate; give reasons for and against. Also examine the implications

EVALUATE

Make an appraisal of the worth of something, in the light of its truth or usefulness. Include, to a lesser degree, your personal opinion.

EXPLAIN

Make plain; interpret and account for; give reasons for.

ILLUSTRATE

Use a figure or diagram to explain or clarify, or make clear by the use of concrete examples

INTERPRET

Expound the meaning of; make clear and explicit, usually giving your own judgement as well.

JUSTIFY

Show adequate grounds for the decisions or conclusions; answer the main objections likely to made to them

OUTLINE

Give the main features, or general principles, of a subject omitting minor details and emphasising structure and arrangement

RELATE

(A) Narrate - more usual in examinations

(b) Show how things are connected to each other, and to what extent they are alike, or affect each other

REVIEW

Make a survey of, examining the subject carefully.

STATE

Present in a brief, clear form

SUMMARISE

Give a concise account of the chief points of a matter, omitting details and examples

TRACE

Follow the development or history of a topic from some point of origin.

When I was an under graduate I would love writing in rough and then type the essay. This can be time consuming but that’s where I learnt the art of argument and articulation.

And practice makes perfect!!!!

Rishi Faisal