TermDetail
AccountExplain or give reasons for something happening
AnalyseBreak down an issue or topic into its components and discuss them, showing how they interrelate
ApplyTo use something
ArgueMake a case, based on appropriate evidence for or against some given point of view
AssessMake a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size.
BibliographyA list of all the sources you take information from when researching a topic
CalculateDetermine from the given facts, figures or information
ClarifyMake the information clear or plain
ClassifyArrange in classes or categories
Comment onExpress a personal opinion based on the evidence provided
CompareShow how things are similar or different
ConstructMake, build, put together items or arguments
ContrastPoint out and discuss the differences between two things/subjects
Critically analyse/ evaluate/examineAnalyse or evaluate a topic and add a further degree of depth, understanding and judgement to the examination of it
Criticise/CritiqueGive your judgement on the truth, accuracy and value of the information presented
DebateArgue from two or more different points of view
DeduceDraw conclusions
DefineState the meaning of and identify fundamental qualities
DemonstrateShow by using examples
DescribeGive a detailed account of a topic or object
DesignCreate a plan or format for an idea or subject
DifferentiateFind differences between two or more ideas
DiscussTalk about an issue or topic providing points for and against
DistinguishRecognise how something is different or distinct. Note the differences between
EvaluateJudge or consider information - including personal opinion
ExamineInspect or study a subject, topic or information carefully
ExpandElaborate and give a detailed explanation
ExplainTell how things work or how they came to be the way they are, including perhaps some need to 'describe' and to 'analyse'
ExtrapolateInfer from what is known.
To what extent...Explore the case for a stated proposition or explanation, like 'assess' and 'criticise', probably arguing for a less than total acceptance of the proposition
FormatThe way the information is presented.
Keywords/Key phrasesImportant or significant words or phrases that help you to understand the task. These words can be used in search engines, databases, catalogues or book indexes to find information about the topic
IdentifyRecognise and name; pick out what you regard as the key features of something
IllustrateShow using examples to give an explanation of the information
InterpretClarify or explain the information using your own judgement and words
InvestigatePlan and then inquire into, and draw conclusions.
JudgeWeigh up the evidence for and against the subject and form an educated opinion based on the evidence.
JustifySupport an argument or conclusion with evidence
OrganiseTo arrange information in a logical or effective way
OutcomeA result that has been produced by something
OutlineIndicate the main features of a topic or sequence of events in a clear framework, e.g. dot points of the most important facts; a timeline
ParaphraseRe-write the question or information using your own words
PredictTo say what you think is going to happen
PerspectiveA point of view on an issue or information given
Primary information sourceOriginal material usually created at the time being investigated - e.g. memoirs, letters, speeches, images, official documents and scientific research
ProposePut forward a viewpoint, argument or idea for consideration or action
ProveShow the truth of information, using supporting facts as evidence
RecallPresent remembered ideas, facts or experiences
RecommendProvide reasons in favour
RecountRetell a series of events
RelateShow how things are connected to each other.
ReflectTo think seriously about work that has been completed or information that has been given
RelevantInformation that is important or connected to the topic or task
ResearchInvestigate a topic or subject, to discover facts, gain knowledge and understanding
ReviewTo inspect or survey a topic with the emphasis on ÔassessÕ rather than ÔdescribeÕ or retell
Secondary information sourcesInformation created by examining, analysing and making judgements about primary sources
SelectChoose information that is relevant to the task
SketchTo describe something quickly in words or to draw something
StateExpress main point clearly and fully
SummariseExpress concisely the important facts of the topic
SynthesisePutting together various parts in your own way
TraceTo find something by investigating and following where the information leads
VerifyExamine information and show that it is true

References

Boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au, (2015). A Glossary of Key Words (HSC) – Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards NSW. [online] Available at: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/glossary_keywords.html[Accessed 11 Mar.2015].

Student.unsw.edu.au.(2015). Glossary of Task Words. [online] Available at: https://student.unsw.edu.au/glossary-task-words[Accessed 11 Mar.2015]