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Exam and assignment questions typically contain one or more key question
words.
Watch for and circle these key words whenever you read assignment or exam
questions.
Below are listed typical question words, their meanings and possible response
strategies.
ACTION WORD
DETAILS
Analyze
Argue
Defend a position
Provide reasons in support of your position
Refute objections to your position
Provide your objections to the opposing position(s)
Apply
Comment
Compare
Contrast
Critique
Define
Demonstrate
Describe
Discuss
Evaluate
Explain
Summarize
References:
Ellis, D. (2006) Becoming a Master Student (4th edition), Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin
Company.
Wood, N. (1986) College Reading and Study Skills (3rd edition), New York, Holt,
Rinehart & Winston.
Simon Fraser University (2012) Exam preparation, Simon Fraser University, Canada.