Compare
(evaluate, contrast, balance): Look for differences
and similarities in your material.
Think about what effect each has on the work, how each is
used in the work, and why these aspects are important to
the work.
Contrast
(difference, dissimilarity, distinction, disparity):
This is similar to comparing, except you look ONLY at the
differences and analyze them according to the above questions.
Describe
(explain, illustrate, express, tell): Write about the
most important aspects of the topic you are analyzing. Give
background information, content information, and analysis
as necessary.
Discuss
(talk about, argue) or Examine (look at, observe): This
key word allows for almost any type of response. Begin by
deciding how you will approach the topic, or what exactly
you want to say about the topic. Once you have your "angle,"
focus your argument on validating this angle.
Explain
(make clear, give details): Explain asks for the "how"
and "why;" give clear and intelligible reasons
in your explinations. The question may also require you
to account for differences of opinion or bad connections
between theory and data.
Interpret
(decode, decipher, figure out): Translate what something
means. Explain what the author is trying to say.
