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Question commands

Advice on understanding questions
Based on notes made by Antoinette Lee (L6th 1999)

Outline - Give the main features of ...
This leads to - A conclusion which suggests that many factors are significant, but the most important were ...

Relate - Make connections between ideas and events
This leads to - a conclusion suggesting that the quality of the relationship between x and y is strong/weak/variable

State - Just say it
This leads to - a list, if it is at all possible. Clearly signed points must be made as the marker is probably looking for key words.

Summarise - Keep it short and to the point
This leads to - a rewrite of the work in a shorter, more precise but detailed version - just give the key facts or points

Trace - summarise the main events
See above

Evaluate - Make a judgement
This leads to a balanced judgement - Don't pass an opinion as this is just a statement of your views. Evaluation implies reference to evidence which supports a case. It also implies a judgement as to the value of - look at the word itself carefully to see that. Make sure that the judgement is on the wording of the question and not merely related to it.

Compare - Look for similarities
This leads to - a conclusion that x and y share the following elements in common despite their many differences.

Contrast - Highlight differences
This leads to a conclusion - although x and y have many similarities, this shows that the important differences lie in the following elements...

Criticise - Think critically
Emphasis may be on the negative but good points should also be raised. If a thought is good, then say it and say why...

Assess - Make a judgement as to the usefulness/significance/value of
Think about the purpose of the idea or thought or topic as you make evaluations.

Examine - Look at something in very precise detail
All detail, miss nothing out, no beating about the bush - This is etc.

Discuss - General look at topic of discussion
Raise points both in support of and against. Looks better if you can do it paragraph by paragraph, but an essay plan of three points for (however) and three points against will do the job effectively. Signpost a general conclusion all the way through.