Academic Writing Process Lesson 2: Understanding the title

What is involved in understanding the title?

https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/process/understanding/

The first stage of the writing process is to understand the title. This is a key stage. Get this wrong, and
your whole essay may be worthless, meaning hours of wasted time. A common complaint by course
tutors is that their students do not answer the question. By taking the time to understand the title, you
can be more confident that the content of your essay or report will be relevant, which will earn you a
higher grade. It will also ensure that your background reading, if it is a researched assignment with
references, will be more focused. The most important aspects of understanding the question are
identifying the key words and the command words in the title. Both of these are considered below.

Key words

The first thing to do when looking at the title is to underline the key words. Some of these may need
defining in your answer. Pay special attention to command words (see below), which give you a clear
indication of how to answer the question. Read through the question several times to make sure you
understand exactly what it is asking. If it is a researched assignment, rather than an exam essay, you
may also want to discuss the question with your tutor to make sure you completely understand it.

Command words

Command words, also called directive words or instruction words, are words (usually verbs) in the title
which tell you exactly what you need to write in your answer. Below are some of the most common
command words and their meaning.

Command
Meaning
word

Gives reasons for the subject of the question. Note: this is different from give an
Account for
account of, which looks at 'what' rather than 'why'.

Break an idea or issue into parts, looking at each one in depth and considering how
Analyse they relate to one another. This type of answer needs to be very logically
organised.

Weigh up how important something is, using evidence or reasoning. Conclude by

Assess
saying how far you agree with the original question.

Make something clearer, e.g. explaining a complex process or theory in simpler

Clarify
terms.
Comment
State the main points and give your opinion.
upon

Identify the similarities and differences. The answer should be balanced, and may
comment on which similarities or differences are more important. Note:
Compare technically, 'compare' means to show how things are similar, but in essay titles you
are expected to look at both similarities and differences; some titles may make this
more explicit by asking you to 'Compare and contrast...'.

Say what you think about the subject, using evidence from your own experience or
Consider
from external sources.

Contrast Similar to compare, but considers only the differences.

Identify weaknesses or disadvantages, as well as favourable aspects. The answer

Criticise
should be balanced.

Give a definition, i.e. the precise meaning. This answer may include problems with
Define
the definition and alternative definitions which may exist.

Demonstrate Show how, using examples to illustrate your answer.

Describe Say what something is like, how or why something works or happens, etc.

Argue for and against, or point out the advantages and disadvantages, using
Discuss
evidence. You must argue both sides, and come to a conclusion.

Look at the 'con' points (those against) to show why something is not true.
Disprove
Requires a logical answer with evidence.

Elaborate To give more detail/information on the subject.

Elucidate Make the subject clear (i.e. lucid) by explaining what it means.

Evaluate Same as assess. Some questions use 'Critically evaluate', which means the same
 thing.

Look at the topic closely by establishing the important facts and issues. You should
Examine give reasons to say why you think those facts and issues are the most important
ones.

Give a detailed explanation of how and why something occurs, or what is meant by
Explain
a particular idea or principle. Will often require definition of key terms.

Consider a topic from different viewpoints. The topic should be explored

Explore
thoroughly, and opposing views could be reconciled in the final argument.

Give an Give a detailed description of something, i.e. explain 'what' it is. Note: this is
account of different from account for, which looks at 'why'.

Identify Show what the key points are, and what they imply.

Illustrate Use examples or statistics to explain the subject of the question.

Say what you think something means, in order to demonstrate your understanding.
You may be asked to interpret terminology used by a writer or the findings from
Interpret
research. If you are interpreting findings, you should comment on patterns or
causal relationships.

Give reasons for a position (e.g. 'Justify the use of corporal punishment in schools').
Justify
Try to include counter-arguments to make your reasons more balanced.

Outline Same as summarise

Look at the 'pro' points (those in favour) to show why something is true. Requires a
Prove
logical answer with evidence.

Look thoroughly at a subject. An answer to this question will be critical and not just
Review
description.

Show how Give the stages or factors which give rise to something. The answer should be
 presented in a logical order.

Give the relevant points. These points should be clear and brief; avoid long
State
discussion.

Sum up the main points, usually with brief or general examples. Do not give details.
Summarise
Often requires a short answer.

Similar to 'Discuss', in that both sides of the argument will be presented, with
evidence. This type of essay, however, may be less balanced, depending on what
To what
extent (or 'how far') you think the proposition is true. It is commonly used as
extent
an IELTS Task 2 essay question, usually in the phrase 'To what extent do you agree
or disagree?'

Describe the stages (e.g. in the development of a theory, of a person's life, of a

Trace
process) in a logical or chronological order. Usually found in historical questions.

Checklist

Below is a checklist for this section.

Item OK? Comments

I have identified the key words in the title and I know

what these mean.

I have identified the command word(s) and I know

what I have to write in my answer.