| Analyze | Break the whole topic into parts in order to explain it better; show how the parts work together to produce the overall pattern. |
| Compare | Identify similarities in ideas, events, or objects. Don't just describe the elements; state how they are alike. |
| Contrast | Identify the differences between ideas, events, or objects. Don't just describe the ideas; state how they are different. |
| Criticize/Critique | Judge something; give your opinion. Criticism can be positive, negative, or mixed. A critique should generally include your own judgments (supported by evidence) and those of experts who agree with you. |
| Define | Give the meaning of a word or an expression. |
| Describe | Give more information about the topic. |
| Discuss | Give broad statements backed up by detailed information. Discussion often includes identifying the important questions related to an issue and trying to answer these questions. |
| Evaluate | Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of an idea or a position. When you evaluate, you stress how well something meets a certain standard. |
| Explain | Clarify a statement. Explanations generally focus on why or how something has come about. |
| Justify | Argue in support of some decision or conclusion by showing evidence or reasons that support the argument. Try to support your argument with both logical and concrete examples. |
| Narrate | Relate a series of events in the order they occurred, as you do when you tell a story. |
| Outline | Present a series of main points in order. Some instructors want a formal outline with numbers and letters. |
| Summarize | Give information in brief form, without examples and details. A summary is short but covers all the important points. |