What does "recommend" mean in an assignment question?

Propose a course of action. What earns marks: Specific, feasible actions justified by your analysis.

Assignment command words, and what they ask for

The command word in your question decides what kind of answer earns the marks. Answering "describe" when it says "evaluate" is one of the most common reasons good work gets an average grade.

What does "analyse" mean in an assignment question?

Break the topic into its parts and show how they relate and why. What earns marks: Explaining causes, links and significance, with evidence.

Usual mistake: Describing the parts without explaining how they connect.

What does "assess" mean in an assignment question?

Weigh up how important, successful or valid something is. What earns marks: A clear judgement supported by evidence, with the other side weighed.

Usual mistake: Listing points without ever deciding.

What does "compare" mean in an assignment question?

Set out similarities and differences. What earns marks: Point-by-point comparison on the same criteria, with what the differences mean.

Usual mistake: Describing each thing separately, one after the other.

What does "contrast" mean in an assignment question?

Focus on the differences. What earns marks: Clear, significant differences, explained.

Usual mistake: Drifting into similarities or description.

What does "critically evaluate" mean in an assignment question?

Judge how good, useful or valid something is, questioning the evidence behind it. What earns marks: Weighing strengths against limitations, judging the quality of evidence, and a supported conclusion.

Usual mistake: Treating "critical" as "negative", or describing instead of judging.

What does "critically analyse" mean in an assignment question?

Analyse, while questioning assumptions and the strength of evidence. What earns marks: Going beyond how something works to how well-supported the claims about it are.

Usual mistake: Analysis with no questioning of sources or assumptions.

What does "define" mean in an assignment question?

Give the precise meaning. What earns marks: An accurate definition, ideally from an authoritative source, and its scope.

Usual mistake: A vague or everyday meaning.

What does "describe" mean in an assignment question?

Say what something is like or what happened. What earns marks: Accurate, relevant, well-organised detail.

Usual mistake: Adding opinion or explanation that was not asked for.

What does "discuss" mean in an assignment question?

Explore the topic from different angles and reach a view. What earns marks: Several perspectives, weighed with evidence, and a reasoned conclusion.

Usual mistake: Presenting one side only, or no conclusion.

What does "evaluate" mean in an assignment question?

Make a judgement about value or effectiveness. What earns marks: Criteria for judging, evidence on both sides, and a clear verdict.

Usual mistake: Pros and cons with no final judgement.

What does "examine" mean in an assignment question?

Look closely at the topic and its details. What earns marks: Detailed, critical investigation of key aspects.

Usual mistake: Staying at surface level.

What does "explain" mean in an assignment question?

Make clear how or why something happens. What earns marks: Causes, mechanisms and reasons, logically linked.

Usual mistake: Describing what happens without saying why.

What does "identify" mean in an assignment question?

Name or point out the key features. What earns marks: Accurate, relevant items, briefly.

Usual mistake: Writing at length when a brief answer was asked.

What does "illustrate" mean in an assignment question?

Make something clear using examples. What earns marks: Well-chosen, specific examples tied to the point.

Usual mistake: Generic or unexplained examples.

What does "justify" mean in an assignment question?

Give reasons and evidence for a position or decision. What earns marks: Convincing reasons with evidence, and objections answered.

Usual mistake: Asserting a view without support.

What does "outline" mean in an assignment question?

Give the main points briefly. What earns marks: The key points in a clear structure, without excess detail.

Usual mistake: Going into detail on everything.

What does "summarise" mean in an assignment question?

Give the main points concisely. What earns marks: Accurate, balanced, short.

Usual mistake: Adding your own analysis or minor detail.

What does "to what extent" mean in an assignment question?

Judge how far a statement is true. What earns marks: A nuanced judgement — to a large extent, partly — with evidence for and against.

Usual mistake: Answering yes or no, or never judging the extent.

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