An Explanation of Command Verbs Used in Academic Skills Assignments

This assignment provides an explanation of command verbs frequently used in academic settings, particularly within the context of Higher National Diploma (HND) assignments. It defines key terms such as 'analyse,' 'critically analyse,' 'evaluate,' 'critically evaluate,' 'compare,' 'contrast,' 'compare and contrast,' 'describe,' 'discuss/explain/explore,' and 'justify.' The document offers concise definitions for each verb, clarifying their specific meanings and how they should be applied when responding to assignment prompts. For instance, it distinguishes between comparing and contrasting, and it emphasizes the need for evidence and supporting arguments when using verbs like 'analyse' and 'justify'. This resource is designed to help students understand the expectations of academic assignments and to improve their ability to respond effectively to different types of questions. The assignment is available on Desklib, a platform that provides AI-powered study tools and past papers for students.

Explaining command
verbs

Table of Contents
Explanation of command verbs that are found in assessment criteria.............................................1
Analyse........................................................................................................................................1
Critical analyse.............................................................................................................................1
Evaluate........................................................................................................................................1
Critically evaluate........................................................................................................................1
Compare.......................................................................................................................................1
Contrast........................................................................................................................................1
Compare and contrast..................................................................................................................1
Describe.......................................................................................................................................1
Discuss/Explain/Explore..............................................................................................................2
Justify...........................................................................................................................................2

Explanation of command verbs that are found in assessment criteria
Analyse
The verb analyse is termed to breaking an issue in constitute elements and looking
towards in depth at each element through using supporting arguments as well as evidences.
Critical analyse
The verb refers to careful examination along with evaluation of image, content or other
working.
Evaluate
It is described to considering multiple ideas, arguments or options and reaching to a
conclusion related to importance or worth of a text.
Critically evaluate
Critically evaluate refers to giving own verdict to what extent a finding or statement
within a piece of investigation is true, or to what degree an individual agree with them.
Compare
The verb compare is delineated as to identification of similarities along with differences
among two or more phenomena.
Contrast
It is said to concentrating towards dissimilarities among phenomena or what are the
aspects which sets them apart.
Compare and contrast
The word compare refers to putting text side by side for the purpose of seeing differences
together with similarities when balance answer is needed. Likewise, contrast is said to
emphasising differences among two elements or things.
Describe
Describe refers to providing a detailed explanation about why as well as how something
occurs or happens.
1

Discuss/Explain/Explore
Explain is clarifying a topic through detailed account about the ways and the reasons it
occurs.
Justify
Justify refers to making a case through providing a body of evidence with the purpose of
supporting own ideas along with points of view. For presenting balanced argument, justification
considers opinions that might run contrary to an individual views prior stating conclusion.
2