Words to watch for in essay questionsThe following words are commonly found in essay test questions. Understanding them is essential to success on such questions. If you want to do well on essay tests, then study this page thoroughly. Know these words backwards and forwards. To heighten your awareness of them, underline the words when you see them in a test question.AnalyzeBreak into separate parts and discuss, examine, or interpret each part.CompareExamine two or more things. Identify similarities and differences. Comparisons generally ask for more similarities than differences.ContrastShow differences. Set in opposition.CriticizeMake judgments. Evaluate comparative worth. Criticism often involves analysis.DefineGive the meaning; usually a meaning specific to the course or subject. Determine the precise limits of the term to be defined. Explain the exact meaning. Definitions are usually shortDescribeGive a detailed account. Make a picture with words. List characteristics, and parts.DiscussConsider and debate or argue the pros and cons of an issue. Write about any conflict. Compare and contrast. EnumerateList several ideas, aspects, events, things, qualities, reasons, etc.ExplainMake an idea clear. Show logically how a concept is developed. Give the reasons for an event.EvaluateGive your opinion or cite the opinion of an expert. Include evidence to support the evaluation. IllustrateGive concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples.InterpretComment upon, give examples, and describe relationships. Explain the meaning. Describe then evaluate.WEC Univ 101 1OutlineDescribe main ideas, characteristics, or events. (Does not necessarily mean “write a Roman numeral/letter outline.”)ProveSupport with facts (especially facts presented in class or in the text).RelateShow the connections between ideas or events. Provide a larger context.StateExplain precisely.SummarizeGive a brief, condensed account. Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details.TraceShow the order of events or progress of a subject or event.If any of these terms are still unclear to you, go to your unabridged dictionary. Through knowledge of these words helps you give the teacher what he is requesting.WEC Univ 101