Lesson 9 Key directives - D words

Understanding the directive in any question and indentifying the key words of the question make the difference between a pass and a high mark. At A level the examiner expects the candidate to effectively answer the complex question which has been set. At CXC, a mere demonstration of knowledge will assist the candidate. Not answering the question, irrelevance or lack of focus will hinder your chances of high marks at this level.

The D words have specific expectations for answers.

Analyse Break the topic down into important parts and examine each part in detail. Describe the inter relationship between them.
Compare Examine the topics or subjects and demonstrate their similarities
Contrast Examine the topics/subjects and demonstrate their differences
Criticise Discuss the evidence or topic and give your own views on the subject
Define Give the precise meaning of something, a definition or state terms of reference
Describe Give a detailed account
Discuss Examine the details and give reasons for and against
Examine Investigate all of the details
Explain Interpret or make something clear
Evaluate Make a judgment about the truth or usefulness of something
Illustrate Use examples facts and figures to make something clear.
Justify Show why you have reached a particular conclusion or make a case for a particular point of view
List Present an itemised series or tabulation in concise form
Outline Provide the main points of a topic, theory or argument
Prove Confirm by evaluating and citing evidence or by logical reasoning
State Present the points succinctly and clearly
Summarise Outline the main points briefly


With help from http://www.studygs.net
and TESS 2000, Toucan House