KEY
WORDS FOR ESSAY EXAMS
The
following words are commonly found in essay tests. Understanding them is essential to success on
these tests. A sample essay question for
each key word is also provided.
Analyze – Break into separate parts
and discuss, examine, or interpret each part.
Analyze the effects of acid rain on a freshwater lake.
Compare – Examine two or more
things. Identify similarities and differences.
Compare the political systems of
Contrast – Show differences. Set in opposition.
Contrast the music of Beethoven and Bach.
Criticize – Make judgments. Evaluate
comparative worth. This often involves
analysis.
Criticize the efforts of law enforcement to catch the sniper.
Define – Give the meaning, usually
a meaning specific to a subject.
Definitions are usually short.
Define serendipity.
Describe – Give a detailed
account. Make a picture with words. List characteristics, qualities, and parts.
Describe a favorite restaurant.
Discuss – Consider and debate the
pros and cons of an issue. Write about
any conflict. Compare and contrast.
Discuss the ethical issues of cloning.
Enumerate – List several ideas,
aspects, events, things, qualities, reasons, etc.
Enumerate the steps to prepare for a test.
Evaluate – Give your opinion or cite
the opinions of experts. Include
evidence to support the evaluation.
Evaluate the argument for the legalization of marijuana.
Explain – Make an idea clear. Show
logically how an idea is developed.
Explain the forces that shaped the
Illustrate – Give concrete
examples. Explain with word pictures.
Illustrate how the
Interpret – Comment upon, give
examples, and describe relationships.
Explain the meaning, and then evaluate.
Interpret Marx’s statement that “religion is the opiate of the people.”
Outline – Describe main ideas,
characteristics, or events. (not necessarily with
Roman numerals and/or letters).
Outline the causes of the Civil War.
Prove – Support with facts
(especially those from class or the text).
Prove that man descended from apes.
State – Explain precisely.
State the reasons for the separation of church and state.
Summarize – Give a brief, condensed account. Avoid unnecessary details. Include conclusions.
Summarize Barbara Ehrenreich’s essay “In Defense of
Talk Shows.”
Trace – Show the order of events
or progress of a subject or event.
Trace the rise of the Taliban to power.
After reviewing this list,
practice developing essay questions in preparation for your exams. Doing so will help you anticipate possible
test questions. Next practice answering
the questions you developed.
After your essay exams are
returned compare your instructor’s questions with those you developed. What types of questions does your instructor
tend to ask? Were you able to anticipate
the types of test questions asked on your most recent exam? Keep a list of the types of questions your
instructor asks (compare, define, evaluate, trace, etc.).
Adapted from Becoming A Master
Student by David B. Ellis
Return to Test Taking Strategies Home Page .
Maintained by Joan Monroe, Associate Professor, Learning Lab · Last updated: Sept 2004