UTS: HELPS
Task Words Used in Assignment Questions
justify
analyse
criticize
describe
contrast
prove
define
explain
evaluate
discuss
summarise
compare
1. Say in what ways two (or more) things are different from each other
2. Explain an item or concept and consider it from different points of view, then give your own
opinion.
3. Point out mistakes or weaknesses as well as favourable aspects of the subject; requires a
balanced answer.
4. Demonstrate the logical arguments and/or evidence for a proposition
5. Give the main points briefly
6. Take apart an idea, concept or statement in order to consider all the factors it consists of
7. Determine the importance of something; make a judgement after carefully assessing the
evidence; appraise
8. Give good reasons for a position or argument
9. Say in what ways two (or more) things are like each other; sometimes includes the idea of
contrast
10. Make clear; give reasons for
11. Give an account or outline; say what something is like, how it works etc.
12. State precisely the meaning of a word or concept
Higher Education Language & Presentation Support
1
UTS: HELPS
Your Assignment Question
Paraphrase:
Requirements (Format/due date/length etc.)
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Content/Topic (What is it about?)
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Purpose/Instructions (What do I have to do?)
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
De-construct the question
Other Useful Websites
Useful websites
HELPS website
http://www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps/resources/index.html
Massey University
http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/interpreting-the-assignment-question.php
University of NSW
http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/olib.html
Monash University
http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/general/essay/essay-topic/index.xml
Sydney University
http://writesite.elearn.usyd.edu.au/m3/m3u1/m3u1s3/m3u1s3_3.htm
Higher Education Language & Presentation Support
2