This is something that I personally have had problems with in the past, the correct interpretation of essay questions. Questions come phrased in different ways, and each different phrasing requires a different type of question. So the short note I have compiled, with some help of AI will illustrate the differences between the different directives and how students should answer their essay questions. Students should use the note below in their CSEC prep/ CXC prep. Please see the note below.
Analytical / Explanatory
- Explain – Clarify a topic by giving details, examples, and reasons. Focus on how and why.
- Describe – Give a detailed account of what something is, what it looks like, or how it works.
- Illustrate – Use examples (or diagrams if appropriate) to explain or clarify.
- Outline – Provide the main points in a clear, organized structure, leaving out detailed explanation.
💬 Argumentative / Critical Thinking
- Discuss – Examine all sides of an issue or argument. Present both for and against views.
- Evaluate – Judge the value or importance of something. Give evidence to support your judgment.
- Assess – Weigh up the strengths and weaknesses and give a considered opinion.
- Critically evaluate/assess – Analyze deeply, identifying strengths, weaknesses, assumptions, and implications.
📚 Comparative
- Compare – Show similarities between two or more things.
- Contrast – Show differences between two or more things.
- Compare and contrast – Highlight both similarities and differences.
💭 Argument Construction
- Argue – Present a case with evidence in support of a position or point of view.
- Justify – Give reasons and evidence to support a statement or conclusion.
- Defend – Support a statement or argument, responding to possible objections.
📊 Summative / Reflective
- Summarize – Present the main points briefly, omitting details or examples.
- Review – Look over a subject critically, noting major features and giving an evaluation.
- Reflect – Consider your own experiences or opinions and how they relate to the topic.
🧠 Instruction / Application
- Define – Give the precise meaning of a term or concept.
- State – Say clearly and briefly, without detailed explanation.
- Demonstrate – Show how something works or is done, using examples.
An essay that asks you to discuss the effect of globalization is not asking the same of another essay that says to justify why globalization should not be banned. One asks for a balanced presentation of the topic, while the other asks you to argue in favor of globalization. Students should be aware of what each term asks, and answer accordingly.
Read an essay espousing these concepts here – https://theonlinescholarinstitute.com/2025/03/28/social-studies-essay-discuss-the-role-of-education-in-reducing-poverty-in-the-caribbean/
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