Glossary of verbs frequently used in essay assignments and essay examinations

1. ANALYZE – Discuss in detail the basic points in an argument, a theory, or a statement.
2. ASSESS – Give your views on the value or truthfulness of an idea.
3. COMMENT – Give your views or discuss an idea or theory.
4. COMPARE – Explain the similarities between two things.
5. CONTRAST – Explain the similarities between two things.
6. CRITICIZE – Give your own judgment, opinion, or evaluation of something.
7. DEFINE – Explain the meaning of a word or idea.
8. DISCUSS – Write a detailed analysis.
9. ENUMERATE – Make a list or write out your points in an argument one by one.
10. EVALUATE – Similar to assess. Give your views on the value or truthfulness of an idea or theory.
11. EXPLAIN – Make the facts, details, or reasons about an idea, a situation, or a process clear to another person.
12. ILLUSTRATE – Draw a picture with words, or clarify by use of a diagram or picture.  Explain why; give reason why you believe something to be true or untrue.
13. JUSTIFY – Explain why you believe something is good or correct.  Give your reasons for believing something.
14. LIST -             Make a brief list of ideas – often in numerical order.
15. PROVE – Give your reason, examples, evidence for believing something is or is not so.
16. RELATE – Show how one thing or idea is related or connected to another.
17. REVIEW – (a) Briefly explained or enumerate the reasons, the details, the steps in a process. (b) Critically evaluate.  Often used to describe the good and bad points of a piece of literature.
18. STATE – Usually used with reason, points, similarities, and differences.  A brief answer which is direct and to the point is expected.
19. SUMMARIZE – Present the information in a brief and condensed form.
20. TRACE – Briefly describe the events or steps in a process in chronological order.  Follow the steps of a person, a development.

1. STRENGTHEN YOUR STUDY SKILLS
2. PREPARING FOR AND TAKING EXAMINATIONS