While the purposes of different assignments can vary considerably, three of the most common types of written assignments ask you to Describe, Argue or Connect.
Look for specific words in the assignment instructions that signal which particular approach to take. Describe assignments are designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of a particular topic or issue. Argue assignments ask you to advance a particular claim or viewpoint and construct an argument based on evidence. Connect assignments are devised to enhance your understanding of an issue by examining the relationships among its constituent parts, or its connection to other issues.
Signal words include:
Signal words include:
Signal words include:
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Analyze/ Outline/ Explain |
Separate the matter at hand into key parts/essential elements; break things down, consider the details; identify causes, key factors or features, possible results. |
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Compare |
Note similarities and differences between two or more things |
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Contrast |
Note differences, dissimilarities, tensions between two or more things. |
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Examine/ Explore/ Investigate |
Take a diagnostic approach; inquire or look into closely, perhaps to uncover a hidden motive, theme, etc.; seek out core issues, suggest possible interpretations for solutions |
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Argue |
Take a position on a given subject and support that approach; give reasons for or against something. |
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Debate |
Present opposing viewpoints on a given subject; deliberate; give reasons for and against something. |
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Evaluate/ Judge/ Criticize/ Investigate |
Determine the value or significance of something. |
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Describe |
Depict, present or delineate words; place more emphasis on how something occurs than on why. |
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Define |
Give the meaning of something; present its nature or essential qualities. |
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Trace |
Follow the course, development, or history of something. |
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Review |
Summarize the key aspects of the material at hand. |
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Document |
Like trace, follow the development, course, or history of something, but emphasize the use of written sources, references, and citations in your approach; prove using written support material, concrete sources, and evidence. |
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Discuss |
Comment on, talk over, write about the topic at hand using whatever approach seems appropriate (ie: any of the approaches listed in this chart). |