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 England and France.

 

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 U.S. Constitution.

 

Illustrate – Give concrete examples. Explain with word pictures.

 

Illustrate how the U. S. aided Japan’s becoming a world power after World War II.

 

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

 

 

 

 

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Maintained by Joan Monroe, Associate Professor, Learning Lab · Last updated: Sept 2004