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© Glasgow Caledonian University School of Engineering and Built Environment 2011

Analyse
Examine
Examine closely, look at underlying structures
Something in terms of its parts and show how they are related to each other
Argue
Assess
Present a case for and/or against something
Decide the value of ... be specific about the basis for your evaluation
Compare Discuss two things in terms of their similarities and differences
Contrast
Criticise
Discuss two things emphasising their differences
Give a judgment about the value of something and support that judgement with evidence
Define Make clear what is meant by ... use a definition or definitions to explore the concept of ...
Describe
Discuss
Present a detailed account of ...
Consider and offer some interpretation or evaluation of …. present and give a judgement on the value of the arguments for and against an issue
Enumerate
Evaluate
Give an item-by-item account of ...
Attempt to form a judgement about, be specific about the basis for this judgement
Examine Inspect something in detail and investigate the implications
Explain Make clear the details of ...show the reason for, or underlying cause of, or the means by which something occurs
© Glasgow Caledonian University School of Engineering and Built Environment 2011
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Illustrate
Interpret
Justify
Outline
Prove
Review
Summarise
Trace
Offer an example or examples to: show how/that ... make concrete the concept of ...
Make clear the meaning of something and its implications; be explicit about the framework in which you do this
Give reasons why certain decisions should be made, or certain conclusions reached
Go through and identify briefly the main features of something
Show by logical argument
Report the chief facts about… offer a criticism of
Describe something concisely
Identify and describe the development or history of something from some point, or from its origin
© Glasgow Caledonian University School of Engineering and Built Environment 2011
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