How to Study

Common Instructional Verbs on Essay Tests
Compare
Examine two or more objects, ideas, people,
etc., and note similarities and differences.
Contrast
Compare to highlight differences. 
Similar to differentiate, distinguish.
Criticize
Judge and discuss merits and faults. 
Similar to critique.
Define
Explain the nature or essential qualities.
Describe
Convey appearance, nature, attributes, etc.
Discuss
Consider or examine by argument, comment,
etc.; debate; explore solutions.
Enumerate
List various events, things, descriptions, 
ideas, etc.
Evaluate
Appraise the worth of an idea, comment, etc.,
and justify your conclusion.
Explain
Make the meaning of something clear, plain,
intelligible, and/or understandable.
Illustrate
Use specific examples or analogies to explain.
Interpret
Give the meaning of something by paraphrase,
by translation, or by an explanation based on
personal opinion.
Justify
Defend a statement or conclusion. 
Similar to support.

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How to Study
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Narrate
Recount the occurrence of something, usually
by giving details of events in the order in which
they occurred. Similar to describe, but only
applicable to something that happens in time.
Outline
Do a general sketch, account, or report, 
indicating only the main features of a book,
subject, or project.
Prove
Establish the truth or genuineness by 
evidence or argument. Similar to show, 
explain, demonstrate. (In math, verify validity
by mathematical demonstration.)
Relate
Give an account of events and/or circum-
stances, usually to establish association, 
connections, or relationships.
Review
Survey a topic, occurrence, or idea, generally
but critically. Similar to describe, discuss,
illustrate, outline, summarize, trace. Some 
test-makers may use these words virtually
interchangeably, although one can find 
subtle differences in each.
State
Present the facts concisely and clearly. May be
used interchangeably with name, list, indicate,
identify, enumerate, cite.