Writing Essays
Writing Essays
Attacking the Question 1. Topic is? 2. Date range? 3. Key concepts or specific factors in the question? 4. Command words used in question?
Command Words Account for | Present a reasoned case for this. | Analyse | Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. The essay needs to be closely argued and detailed. | Assess | Estimate the magnitude or quality of something supported by reasons. | Comment | Give a judgement. | | | Compare | Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout. | Compare and contrast | Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout. | Contrast | Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout. | Critically discuss | Present the merits and demerits, and make a judgement based on the evidence. | Define | Give the precise meaning of a word or concept. | | | Describe | A neutral request to give a detailed picture. | Discuss | Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence. | Distinguish | Make clear the difference between two similar terms. | Do or Does | Make a judgement and present the relevant arguments and evidence | Evaluate | Weigh up the evidence. What arguments are more convincing and what arguments are less convincing? | | | Examine | Consider an argument in a careful, questioning manner so as to find the truth. | Explain | Make plain the concept or argument. | Explore | Undertake a systematic process of discovery. | How | Usually the first part of a question that asks you to set the scene for the more important part of the question that will follow. | Justify | Give valid reasons or evidence to
Attacking the Question 1. Topic is? 2. Date range? 3. Key concepts or specific factors in the question? 4. Command words used in question?
Command Words Account for | Present a reasoned case for this. | Analyse | Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. The essay needs to be closely argued and detailed. | Assess | Estimate the magnitude or quality of something supported by reasons. | Comment | Give a judgement. | | | Compare | Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout. | Compare and contrast | Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout. | Contrast | Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout. | Critically discuss | Present the merits and demerits, and make a judgement based on the evidence. | Define | Give the precise meaning of a word or concept. | | | Describe | A neutral request to give a detailed picture. | Discuss | Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence. | Distinguish | Make clear the difference between two similar terms. | Do or Does | Make a judgement and present the relevant arguments and evidence | Evaluate | Weigh up the evidence. What arguments are more convincing and what arguments are less convincing? | | | Examine | Consider an argument in a careful, questioning manner so as to find the truth. | Explain | Make plain the concept or argument. | Explore | Undertake a systematic process of discovery. | How | Usually the first part of a question that asks you to set the scene for the more important part of the question that will follow. | Justify | Give valid reasons or evidence to