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Common Words Essay Exams

This document defines and provides examples of common words used to assess students' understanding in essay exams. It lists 22 words such as compare, contrast, criticize, define, discuss, enumerate, evaluate, explain, illustrate, interpret, justify, list, outline, prove, relate, review, state, summarize, and trace; and provides a brief definition or example for each word to clarify its meaning in the context of exam questions.

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36 views2 pages

Common Words Essay Exams

This document defines and provides examples of common words used to assess students' understanding in essay exams. It lists 22 words such as compare, contrast, criticize, define, discuss, enumerate, evaluate, explain, illustrate, interpret, justify, list, outline, prove, relate, review, state, summarize, and trace; and provides a brief definition or example for each word to clarify its meaning in the context of exam questions.

Uploaded by

mickeybig
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Common Words Used in Essay Exams

Compare—Examine qualities, or characteristics, in order to determine resemblances.

Contrast—Stress dissimilarities, differences, or unlikenesses of associated things.

Criticize—Express your judgment with respect to the correctness or merit of the factors
under consideration.

Define—Write concise, clear, authoritative meanings, keeping in mind the class to which the
item belongs, and whatever differentiated it from all other classes.

Discuss—Examine, analyze carefully, and present considerations pro and con regarding the
problems or items.

Enumerate—A list or outline form of reply. Recount, one by one, in concise form, the points
required.

Evaluate—Present a careful appraisal, stressing both advantages and limitations.

Explain—Clarify, elucidate, and interpret the material you present.

Illustrate—Present a figure, diagram, or concrete example.

Interpret—Translate, exemplify, or comment upon the subject, and, usually, give your
judgment or reaction.

Justify—Prove your thesis or show grounds for decision.

List—Present an itemized series or a tabulation.

Outline—Give main points and essential supplementary materials in a systematic manner.

Prove—Establish something with certainty by citing evidence or by logical reasoning.

Relate—Emphasize connections and associations.

Review—Analyze and comment briefly, in organized sequence, upon the major points.

State—Express the high points in brief, clear form.

Summarize—Give in condensed form the main points or facts.

Trace—Give a description of progress, sequence, or development from the point of origin.


Copyrights by The Curators of the University of Missouri, 2006

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