Directive
Sometimes it is handy to highlight the directive task words in the text to ensure that you, as the writer, have a clear idea of what is required.
There are some standard directive task words used in academic writing. However, the intention and their meaning is not always clear to all writers. The following list contains a large number of directive task words, and although the list is not exhaustive, it should contain the most frequent task key words used in assignment and essay questions. The most commonly found task key words are highlighted. A similar list is to be found in Jordan (2001).
Account for Give reasons for X; explain X.
(Give) an account of Describe
Analyse Divide, describe, discuss, examine, and explain X.
Argue Present a case for or against X, and don't forget to also provide and discuss counter-arguments.
Assess Decide the importance of X and give reasons for this importance.
Calculate Estimate, determine, weigh reasons.
Characterise Describe X.
Classify Arrange into groups.
Comment on Explain the importance of X.
Compare Describe similarities (and differences) between X and Y.
Consider Think carefully about X.
Contrast Describe the differences between X and Y.
Criticise Discuss and point out problems with X.
(Make a) Critical Analysis Examine the topic or argument in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
Deduce Draw a conclusion based on the evidence at hand.
Define State the precise meaning of X.
Demonstrate Show something clearly, providing evidence or proof.
Describe Explain what something is like
Determine Find out something; calculate
Differentiate between Show how something is different from X.
Discuss Consider something from different points of view; then try to give your own opinion or draw your own conclusions, based on the evidence at hand.
Distinguish Describe the difference between X and Y.
Elaborate Discuss X in detail, providing reasons and examples.
Elucidate Make X clear; explain X clearly.
Enumerate Name, list and explain
Estimate Give a judgement; predict; calculate
Evaluate Appraise or estimate the value of something.
Examine Consider X; look at carefully at X.
Explain Make X clear; give reasons for X.
Explore Describe X in detail, and note the impact of X.
Generate Suggest new ideas or new interpretations.
Hypothesise Suggest a hypothesis, i.e. a supposition.
Identify Point out and describe X.
Illustrate Give examples that support your answer.
Indicate Show and explain
Infer Conclude something from facts or reasoning.
Integrate Logically bring together apparently unrelated subjects.
Interpret Explain the meaning of something and give a judgement of the situation.
Justify Give good reasons for X; explain X satisfactorily.
List Put in sequence; catalogue; mention
Mention Describe X briefly.
Name Identify X.
Narrate Concentrate on presenting what happened; tell a story
Outline Give a brief description of the main points.
Prove Show that something is certain/true; provide strong evidence (and
examples).
Quantify Express or measure the amount or quantity of X.
Relate Give an account of X, or show how X is related to Y.
Review In brief, re-examine, analyse and comment (in an organised sequence) on the major points of an issue.
Significance What the meaning and importance of X is.
Show Indicate X; give evidence of X; make X clear; demonstrate X; illustrate X
Speculate Suggest; form an opinion without having complete knowledge.
State Express X carefully, fully and clearly.
Suggest Mention as a possibility; state as and idea for consideration.
Summarise Give the main points, omitting detail
Trace Give the development process/history of something starting from the
latest to the earliest evidence.
Verify Check X; make sure that X is accurate.
Analyse Divide, describe, discuss, examine, and explain X.
Argue Present a case for or against X, and don't forget to also provide and discuss counter-arguments.
Assess Decide the importance of X and give reasons for this importance.
Calculate Estimate, determine, weigh reasons.
Characterise Describe X.
Classify Arrange into groups.
Comment on Explain the importance of X.
Compare Describe similarities (and differences) between X and Y.
Consider Think carefully about X.
Contrast Describe the differences between X and Y.
Criticise Discuss and point out problems with X.
(Make a) Critical Analysis Examine the topic or argument in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
Deduce Draw a conclusion based on the evidence at hand.
Define State the precise meaning of X.
Demonstrate Show something clearly, providing evidence or proof.
Describe Explain what something is like
Determine Find out something; calculate
Differentiate between Show how something is different from X.
Discuss Consider something from different points of view; then try to give your own opinion or draw your own conclusions, based on the evidence at hand.
Distinguish Describe the difference between X and Y.
Elaborate Discuss X in detail, providing reasons and examples.
Elucidate Make X clear; explain X clearly.
Enumerate Name, list and explain
Estimate Give a judgement; predict; calculate
Evaluate Appraise or estimate the value of something.
Examine Consider X; look at carefully at X.
Explain Make X clear; give reasons for X.
Explore Describe X in detail, and note the impact of X.
Generate Suggest new ideas or new interpretations.
Hypothesise Suggest a hypothesis, i.e. a supposition.
Identify Point out and describe X.
Illustrate Give examples that support your answer.
Indicate Show and explain
Infer Conclude something from facts or reasoning.
Integrate Logically bring together apparently unrelated subjects.
Interpret Explain the meaning of something and give a judgement of the situation.
Justify Give good reasons for X; explain X satisfactorily.
List Put in sequence; catalogue; mention
Mention Describe X briefly.
Name Identify X.
Narrate Concentrate on presenting what happened; tell a story
Outline Give a brief description of the main points.
Prove Show that something is certain/true; provide strong evidence (and
examples).
Quantify Express or measure the amount or quantity of X.
Relate Give an account of X, or show how X is related to Y.
Review In brief, re-examine, analyse and comment (in an organised sequence) on the major points of an issue.
Significance What the meaning and importance of X is.
Show Indicate X; give evidence of X; make X clear; demonstrate X; illustrate X
Speculate Suggest; form an opinion without having complete knowledge.
State Express X carefully, fully and clearly.
Suggest Mention as a possibility; state as and idea for consideration.
Summarise Give the main points, omitting detail
Trace Give the development process/history of something starting from the
latest to the earliest evidence.
Verify Check X; make sure that X is accurate.