Action

Verb
Advise

Explanation

Assess

Recommend, suggest, inform or notify a course of action; offer an

informed opinion based on specialized knowledge
Separate into elements and critically examine, to study or determine
relationship or accuracy
starting to get into the really difficult stuff. This is asking for a series
of detailed explanations, often opinions rather than facts, each with
an illustration (if appropriate). Think about analyse the published
accounts: Calculate some ratios, explain what you think they mean,
relate them to each other, relate them to the context of the question.
Alternatively, what about analyse the variances? The same set of
steps? I think so.
To put to use for a purpose; to employ diligently or with close
attention
Determine the value or accuracy of; evaluate

Assist

To give support or aid

Articulate
Calculate
Comment

To give clear and effective communication

Make a mathematical computation; judge to be sure or probable
To remark or express an opinion Key tips Your answer should include
an explanation, illustration or criticism
Determine if two or more items, entries are the same and if they are
not, identify the differences
The result or outcome of an act or process or event, final arrangement
or settlement Key tips End your answer well, with a clear decision.
Present the weaknesses/ problems; evaluate comparative worth Dont
explain the situation. Instead, analyse it Key tips Criticism often
involves analysis.
Set down the precise meaning of something. Explain the exact
meaning because usually definitions are short
This is really asking for a dictionary or textbook definition, but your
own words can be used instead. Asking you to define something is
simply a test of memory a pretty low level skill but if you use your
own words youre actually doing describe or explain, which is fine.
To represent by a figure, model or picture; to trace the outline of; to
give an account of in words. Give a detailed account or key features.
List characteristics, qualities and parts. Make a picture with words.
if you are asked to describe a dog, its easy: Furry animal, four legs,
goes woof.
To exchange views for the purpose of arriving at a conclusion.
Consider and debate/argue about the pros and cons of an issue.
Examine in-detail by using arguments in favour or against. Write
about any conflict, compare and contrast

Analyze

Apply

Compare
Conclusio
n
Criticize

Define

Describe

Discuss

Distinguis
h/
Contrast
Evaluate

Explain

Identify

Illustrate

Interpret

Prove
Recomme
nd

Highlight differences

Determine or fix the value of; assess, careful appraisal, Determine the
scenario in the light of the arguments for and against.
Form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess.
synonyms: assess, assess the worth of, put a value/price on
Key tips. Mention evidence/case/point/ issue to support evaluation.
How valuable something is in qualitative terms, as well as monetary.
Make an idea clear. Show logically how a concept is developed. Give
the reason for an event. Dont just provide a list of points, add in
some explanation of the points youre discussing.
Make clear or intelligible/State the meaning or Purpose of
Its not possible to explain what a dog is, but its easy to explain why
people keep dogs as pets, or how a dog may be trained. If youre
asked to explain something, use a paragraph: Write a sentence that
makes your point, then write another to explain why the first sentence
is so, or the consequences of the first sentence. If your point still isnt
clear, write a third sentence that makes it clearer.
Its not really application of your knowledge, but more a selective use
of it.
establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is
Give an example. If theres a scenario, give a relevant example. If not,
pick whichever you like. Alternatively, you could draw a picture (we
call them diagrams) or do a quick calculation by way of illustration
(as in explain and illustrate what is meant by an adverse variance).
Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or
examples Key tips Add in some descriptions.
Comment on, give examples, describe relationships Key tips Include
explanation and evaluation
Literally, translating from one form of words to another, where the
latter is more understandable than the former. Interpret is often the
second stage of analyse. Think about variances again. In order to
produce a variance analysis, first you calculate the variances, then
you interpret them. Got it?
You need to prove something to be true, beyond any doubt, or show
that it applies in the situation described, by giving evidence.
Advise the appropriate actions to pursue in terms the recipient will
understand. Give advice or counsel
Tell them what to do. Often, when recommend is used in an exam
question, its the last requirement. If there are three requirements (a,
b and c), you might find that part (a) says explain or identify, part
(b) says discuss or evaluate, and part (c) says recommend. Are

Relate

State

Summariz
e

these the three stages of recommend answer? I think so. If you get
an exam
Show the connections between ideas or events Key tips Relate to real
time examples.
Explain precisely. Focus on the exact point
Just say what you need to say in a fairly concise manner. No need to
explain or clarify, unless you think that what youve written isnt clear
Give a brief, condensed account Include conclusions. Avoid
unnecessary details. Remember to conclude your explanation