Page 249 - Keys To Community College Success

■ Have I provided adequate support—in the form of examples, statistics, and
relevant facts—to prove my argument? Have I used tight logic?
■ Have I covered all the points in my original outline or map?
■ Is my conclusion an effective wrap-up?
7. Edit. Check for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage. Correct
language—and neat, legible handwriting—leaves a positive impression and helps
your grade.
Even the most prepared student can hit a wall during an essay test and have trou-
ble continuing, or even starting, an essay. This is a common occurrence. If it happens to
you, your best bet is just to start writing, even if you are unsure of what you want to

KEY 8.6 Focus on action verbs in essay tests.

ANALYZE Break into parts and discuss each part separately.

COMPARE Explain similarities and differences.
CONTRAST Distinguish between items being compared by focusing on differences.

CRITICIZE Evaluate the issue, focusing on its problems or deficiencies.
DEFINE State the essential quality or meaning.

DESCRIBE Paint a complete picture; provide the details of a story or the main characteristics of a situation.
DIAGRAM Present a drawing, chart, or other visual.

DISCUSS Examine completely, using evidence and often presenting both sides of an issue.
ELABORATE ON Start with information presented in the question, and then add new material.

ENUMERATE/LIST/IDENTIFY Specify items in the form of a list.
EVALUATE Give your opinion about the value or worth of a topic and justify your conclusion.
Test Taking
EXPLAIN Make meaning clear, often by discussing causes and consequences.
ILLUSTRATE Supply examples.

INTERPRET Explain your personal views and judgments.
JUSTIFY Discuss the reasons for your conclusions or for the question’s premise.

OUTLINE Organize and present main and subordinate points.
PROVE Use evidence and logic to show that a statement is true.

REFUTE Use evidence and logic to show that a statement is not true or tell how you disagree with it.
RELATE Connect items mentioned in the question, showing, for example, how one item influenced another.

REVIEW Provide an overview of ideas and establish their merits and features.
STATE Explain clearly, simply, and concisely.

SUMMARIZE Give the important ideas in brief, without comments.
TRACE Present a history of a situation’s development, often by showing cause and effect.

211