Understanding task directive words in the academic context

Research:

To investigate a topic in order to establish facts, support claims and to reach new conclusions.
Generally, this involves using evidence from reliable and academic sources.

Define:

To provide a concise, clear meaning of a term or concept, generally taking this information
from a reputable source and pointing out if different meanings for this term are found in
different sources.

Describe:

To point out the main characteristics or features of something, or to outline the main events.

Summarise:

To give a concise account of the main points by omitting details or examples.

Examine:

To look carefully at a topic, concept or subject. To gain an in-depth understanding of

something by taking note of the detail and providing explanations.

Explain:

To make an idea, concept or situation clear by providing the most relevant facts and details.
This explanation would increase understanding of this concept and provide the reasons for a
situation using support from evidence.

Analyse:

To take apart a concept, statement or question in order to look at the elements and consider
how they relate as a whole. This concept is examined in detail and the response is logically
organised.

Discuss:

To explain the most important features of a statement, topic or concept, and to give details
about it with supporting information, examples, points for and against, and to consider
implications and explanations of ideas taken points of view from different sources. This may
require several paragraphs where the write develops a position that must be supported by
academic evidence.

(Adapted from California Polytechnic State University 2018; Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 2018; University of
Wollongong Australia 2018).
Argue:

To provide a range of reasons and evidence in support of a position taken in response to a

statement, question or task. Generally, this response aims to persuade others about the
strength of the position or point of view presented using justification, explanation and evidence
from reliable sources.

Critically (to critique):

Often used in front of other directive words, it means to think about the arguments for and
against something, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence and provide a
balanced response reflecting the overall judgment. It does not mean to criticize without reason.

Evaluate:

To assess the worth, importance or usefulness of something. Generally, this is done by

applying critical thinking, logical reasoning and by using evidence.

To what extent:

To consider how far something is true, or contributes to a final outcome. Consider also ways in
which the statement or claim is not true. The answer is usually somewhere between
‘completely’ and ‘not at all’.

Support:

To provide evidence or reasons for a claims and stated opinions. Generally, this is done using
evidence from reliable and academic sources.

Justify:

To give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is being claimed. This
involves providing valid reasons from credible sources to support a particular interpretation or
conclusion.

Synthesise:

To combine two or more ideas or perspectives about something to reach an informed

understanding or position on that concept. Generally, this involves presenting more than one
idea from a source to support your interpretation of ideas presented in support of your opinion.

Don’t forget: Cross-check your task analysis against the course outline, task description and
assessment rubric (marking criteria).

(Adapted from California Polytechnic State University 2018; Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 2018; University of
Wollongong Australia 2018).