Key Terms

Key Terms for Essay Exams and Academic Papers

When students are asked to write about a subject, whether on an essay exam or in a paper, they often forge ahead without considering “key terms” directly related to the purpose of the writing.

As a writer, you should identify the key terms in each question or assignment and be certain you understand how these terms influence the purpose of your writing. Below is a list of terms common to academic writing. In looking at these terms, you should observe that each one introduces a different slant on your subject.

Once you have identified the key term or terms in your assignment, try to develop and organize your writing so that your readers will clearly understand your purpose.

Analysis:

Take apart and look at something closely.

Compare:

Look for similarities and differences: stress similarities.

Contrast:

Look for differences and similarities: stress differences.

Critique:

Point out both positive and negative aspects.

Define:

Explain exactly what something means.

Describe:

Show what something looks like, including physical features.

Discuss:

Explore an issue from all sides; implies wide latitude.

Evaluate:

Make a value judgement according to some criteria (which it would be wise to make clear).

Explain:

Clarify or interpret how something works or happens.

Illustrate:

Show by means of example, picture, or diagram.

Interpret:

Translate how or why; implies some subjective judgements.

Justify:

Argue in support of something; to find positive reasons.

List:

Order facts, attributes, or items in sequence.

Outline:

Organize according to hierarchy and/or category.

Prove:

Demonstrate correctness by use of logic, fact, or example.

Review:

Reexamine the main points or highlights of something.

State:

Assert with confidence.

Summarize:

Pull together the main points.

Synthesize:

Combine or pull together pieces or concepts.

Trace:

Present an outline or show a sequence of how or why something occurs or happens.