While the purposes of different assignments may 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 that signal an 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:
Terms seen in assignments can include:
Analyze: Break down key parts/essential elements; consider the details; identify causes, key factors or features, possible results.
Argue: Take a position on a given subject and support that approach; give reasons for or against something.
Compare/Contrast: Note similarities and differences between two or more things.
Criticize: Determine the value or significance of something. Think about how the topic it fits into the larger context and how it may contribute.
Debate: Present opposing viewpoints on a given subject; deliberate; give reasons for and against something.
Define: Give the meaning of something; present its nature or essential qualities.
Describe: Depict and present facts; place more emphasis on how something occurs than on why.
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).
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.
Evaluate: Determine the value or significance of something. Think about how the topic it fits into the larger context and how it may contribute.
Examine: 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
Explain: Break down key parts/essential elements; consider the details; identify causes, key factors or features, possible results.
Explore: 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
Investigate: Determine the value or significance of something. Think about how the topic it fits into the larger context and how it may contribute.
Judge: Determine the value or significance of something. Think about how the topic it fits into the larger context and how it may contribute.
Outline: a framework for a larger work, usually an essay. An outline maps the direction the essay will take and what will be discussed in each paragraph and section.
Review: Summarize the key aspects of the material at hand; discuss strengths and weaknesses and evaluate the topic; critical analysis and discussion of quality and relevance.
Trace: Follow the course, development, or history of something.