Answer techniques

•   Analyze - examine critically to show essential features.

•   Criticize - point out strong and weak points (evaluate).

•   Compare - show differences and similarities between two or more things.

•   Contrast - compare to show differences only.

•   Define - give a clear, detailed, and precise meaning (who or what--never when or where).

•   Describe - list physical characteristics but often means discuss, explain, identify or give account of.

•   Discuss - (comment) - present essentials and their relationships.

•   Elaborate - develop theme or idea in greater detail.

•   Evaluate - appraise carefully, giving, positive and negative aspects (critique).

•   Explain - clarify and interpret details of the problem, theory, etc. Present a step-by-step account of or analysis (how and why).

•   Illustrate - explain or clarify by giving clear, pertinent examples (Give examples of).

•   List - Set down under each other a series of facts, names, dates, etc. Write a series of numbered items.

•   Outline - organize facts by arranging them in a series of headings and subheadings to show relationships.

•   Prove - list all logical arguments supporting the statements.

•   Summarize - present concisely all main points.