ANALYZE- find the main ideas and show how they are related and why
                                they are important.

    a. Find the main ideas and how they are organized. Use information from cognitive maps.

    b. Tell how the main ideas are related to each other.

    c. Tell what happens if the main ideas are in a cause effect relationship.
 

COMPARE-  show similarities and differences, emphasize similarities.

    a. State similarities. You may point out differences, but emphasize similarities.

    b. Must say "They both ...are... or have...etc."

    c. Statements of similarities are abstract, i.e. Not "This is red and that is red." but
        instead "They are both the same color. They are red." Use cognitive map information
        for this.

CONTRAST- show differences.

    a. State differences. Find abstract categories (i.e. color method, content, etc. )
        Again use cognitive map information for this.

    b. Must say "They differ in ....color, method, content, etc. not, "One is red and
        one is black." This is description.

    c. Objects or ideas may be similar and different on the same dimension or continum,
        i.e. may be same color (green) but be different in degree or shade of green.

 
CRITICIZE, CRITIQUE, OR EVALUATE- give your judgement
                                or reasoned opinion of something showing it's good and bad points.

    a. Make the goal statement, e.g. "I want to show that..."

    b. Select a criterion or a standard to use to make the judgment. Ask yourself,
        "What am I using as a basis for comparison?"

    c. Make the comparison. Follow steps for compare and contrast. But, state the
        similarities and differences in judgement terms, i.e. "How does this measure up
        to the standard or criteria?"

    d. Judge how well the criteria are met and state your opinion based on how closely
        the criteria are met.

    e. One criteria may be critical, if so, state this.

    f. Usually, rank the criteria in terms of importance.

 
DEFINE- give the technical ( formal ) meaning of a word distinguishing it
                        from related terms.

    a. Write the definition you have memorized.

    b. If you don’t have a prepared definition and have to make one up, do the following:

            1. Think of an abstract category word that classifies the object, i.e. a pen is a
                writing instrument.

            2. Write "A...is a" not "A ...is to..."

            3. Finally, enrich by writing descriptive phrases giving uses, functions,
                structures, appearances, setting, etc.

 
DESCRIBE- write a detailed account or verbal picture of something.

    a. Write down what you see, hear and touch. Facts and details are important here.
        Write as if your reader could not see, hear or touch a thing.

    b. Use words in a way that will create a picture in the reader's mind.

    c. For complete descriptions write statements from each sense. For example,
        write what you see, what you hear, how it smells, how it touches ( these are
        perceptions.) Also state how it makes you feel and what it means to you.

DISCUSS OR COMMENT ON- describe giving the details and
                                     explaining the pros and the cons of it.

    a. Select or think of relevant factors or issues (main ideas) related to the topic.
        State them. Perhaps state also causes, influences, effects, etc.

    b. State the pros and the cons. If there are different points of view (several
        authorites) state each point of view. Follow steps for DEFINE and DESCRIBE.
        Then compare and contrast.

    c. Support your statements by referring to authority and/ or reason.

    d. Draw conclusions and/or state your opinion.

 *Note that the word "comment" is a more general term and so gives you the freedom to do any number of things.  Because of this you need to make sure to tell your reader early in your answer what you plan to do.

EXPLAIN- tell how to do it or how it happens. Also can mean to tell why it happens.

    a. State how to do it or how it happens and/or why.

    b. Use verbs, i.e. "Do this, do that...." or "This happened and that caused that and that..."

    c. Usually organized chronically. Write the steps, i.e. First ... next...and finally....

 
ILLUSTRATE- give examples to make clear what you are trying to say.

    a. Write a concrete example. It is important to find an example that clearly shows
        the point you are making.

    b. Use sensory categories - see "Describe."

 
JUSTIFY OR PROVE- show by argument or logic that it is true.

    a. Write a series of statements (reasons ) that logically support your point (main idea.)

    b. Put the statements in an "If - then" (causal) sequence. Say, "If ..., and if ..., then..."
        (give a conclusion).

 LIST- produce a numbered list of words, sentences, or comments.

    a. Write a "shopping list." Produce a numbered list of’ words, sentences, or comments.

    b. The term "enumerate" means the same thing as list.

 
SUMMARIZE- give a brief, condensed account of the main ideas. Omit
                                        details and examples.

    a. Pick out the main ideas. Use cognitive map.

    b. State them in less words than the original ideas were stated.

    c. The key to this task is "simplify."

 
TRACE OR SKETCH- follow the progress or history of the subject.

     a. Write statements similar to the ones written for "Summarize."

    b. Put the statements in chronological order. Say "First....second....third....etc."

    c. Trace usually means to be thorough or complete – leaving out no important steps or events.

    d. Sketch usually means to be brief and giving only the highlights. Think of an art
        sketch where a complete picture is made with just a few well placed lines.

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