How Important are the Action Words?

It's all in the way the question is worded

As you begin to study — and especially as you begin to write — pay attention to action words and be sure to read the directions carefully. Many students lose marks simply because their answers do not respond to the language of the questions. They may write about the subject matter mentioned in the question, but not in the precise manner that the question requires. Be sure that your response matches the requirements of the question. The following list organizes some keywords that are found in PSC Section Officer examination questions. When you preview a test, circle or highlight them as reminders of what your answer should include and how it should be focused and structured. Do not try to memorize this list; simply note the subtle differences in meaning among these examinations "action words."

Identify

The first group comprises question words which elicit direct answers and may tend not to elicit developed answers. Consequently, they may be rarely seen on essay exams. Nonetheless, they appear, and when they do, they often imply that the student should explain or elaborate.

• List - Write an itemized series of concise statements
• Enumerate - Write in a list or outline form, making points concisely one by one
• Describe - Recount, characterize, sketch, relate in a sequence or story form
• Define - Give clear, concise, authoritative meanings
• State - Present main points in brief, clear sequence, usually omitting minor details and examples
• Summarize - Give the main points or facts in condensed form, like the summary of a chapter in a text, omitting details and illustrations
• Diagram - Give a graphic answer, a drawing, a chart, a plan, a schematic representation
  

Explain

As a group, these words tend to suggest fully thought out and demonstrated answers. These terms tend to be a little slippery and it is often advisable to clarify the meaning of these words within the context of your course.

• Discuss - Consider various points of view, analyze carefully, and give reasons, pros and cons
• Analyze - Summarize fully with detail in accordance with a selected focus, consider component parts of ideas and their inter-relationships
• Explain - Clarify, interpret, give reasons for differences of opinion or of results, analyze causes
• Illustrate - Use a word picture, diagram, or concrete example to clarify a point
• Outline - Organize a description based on main points and subordinate points, stressing the arrangement and classification of the subject matter
• Trace - In narrative form, describe the evolution, development, or progress of the subject

Compare

These action words are premised on an analysis which works to integrate ideas under focus; emphasizing similarities, differences, and connections between these ideas deepens our understanding of the ideas and may help you contextualize ideas more effectively.

• Compare - Look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other. Emphasize similarities, but also note differences.
• Contrast - Stress differences, dissimilarities of ideas, concepts, events, problems, etc., but also note similarities
• Relate - Show how ideas or concepts are connected to each other
• Related words: Distinguish

Argue

The words in this group direct the student to take a position on an issue and defend his or her argument against reasonable alternatives.

• Prove - Establish the truth of a statement by giving factual evidence and logical reasoning
• Justify - Show strong reasons for decisions or conclusions; use convincing arguments based on evidence
• Related words: Agree, Disagree, Debate, Defend

Assess

Writing an essay question with these action words involves invoking acceptable criteria and defending a judgment on the issue, idea, or question involved. Underlying questions here include "to what extent?" and "how well?".

• Criticize - Express your judgment about the merit or truth or usefulness of the views or factors mentioned in the question
• Evaluate - Appraise, give your viewpoint, cite limitations and advantages, include the opinion of authorities, and give evidence to support your position. (cf., criticize)
• Interpret - Translate, give examples or comment on a subject, usually including your own viewpoint
• Review - Examine a subject critically, analyzing and commenting on it, or statements made about it
• Related words: Interpret, Recommend

You can see that the various question words require you to be thinking at a variety of levels. It should be clear that you must go beyond simple definition of terms.