ACADEMIC WRITING
ANALYSING THE QUESTION
Analysing the Question
Break the question down and look for key words:

Content words

Limiting words

Task or directive words
For example, “Discuss the effects of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Brazil’s international reputation.”
Task or directive words
Discuss
This word tells you what
to do with the topic
S
Student Learning and Academic Development, Student Centre
UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA
Content words
Limiting words
the effects of the 2014
FIFA World Cup
These words tell you
what the subject matter
of the question will be
on Brazil’s international
reputation
These words tell you
what the
focus/boundaries of the
topic will be
If you are not sure about any aspect of the question, ask your tutor/lecturer for clarification.
Want to know more? Come and see us at Student Learning or visit Drop In,
Student Centre, University of Tasmania.
Call 6226 7595 or email student.learning@utas.edu.au for a learning skills consultation.
Our website: http://www.utas.edu.au/student-learning/
2014