CAW LibGuides: Definitions of Directive Words

To do well in your assignments, you will need to analyse your assignment briefs carefully.  Therefore, an effective strategy is to highlight words and phrases in these categories so that you are able to take note of them.

Directive words prompt you to engage in the kinds of thinking and writing you need to demonstrate in the assignment.  Below is a list of directive verbs and their typical meanings. However, be aware that the meanings of these words can vary between disciplines. Additional definitions can be found in Cottrell (2019, p. 285) and Greetham (2018, pp. 48-50).

Which of the following directive words do you recognise from your assignment briefs?

Analyse (analysis)

Pick apart and examine different components of a topic, idea, theory, experience, etc., and think about how they contribute to the whole. Identify which factors have contributed most significantly to an outcome or conclusion, and why and how that might be.

Argue (argument)

Defend a position by stating your case. Your case will stand or fall depending upon the quality of the evidence which you have provided to back up your argument.

Compare and contrast (comparison)

Identify the similarities and the differences between two or more case studies, theories, viewpoints, etc. Consider the implications of these similarities and differences. 

Critically consider (critical consideration)

Identify the advantages and disadvantages, or strengths and weaknesses, of an argument and justify your position in relation to the argument.

Define (definition)

Establish the meaning of a technical term (e.g. concept, theory, etc.) so that the reader has a clear understanding of it. Rather than invent your own definition, it is usually better to quote, paraphrase or summarise the definition(s) you find in reliable sources.

Discuss (discussion)

Consider an idea, theory or concept from different points of view in order to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, and explore its implications. Imagine that you are having a conversation about the topic with someone an opposing viewpoint to your own. It is up to you to persuade that person, using good quality evidence.

Evaluate (evaluation)

Weigh up, or judge, in order to find out the value of something. Ask questions like:

• Is this idea a good one, and, if so, why?
• What are its strengths?
• What are its weaknesses?
• Can it be supported with credible evidence?
• Does it leave out any important considerations?

Explain (explanation)

Provide logical reasons for something, e.g. an observation, trend, event, or statistic. Connect your reasons to theory and evidence.

Make an idea, concept, theory, or process very clear to the reader. Think about what a reader might already know and understand, and how you can build on that.

Identify (identification)

Pinpoint a fact, an example, an argument, or a theoretical position.

Illustrate (illustration)

Give an example in order to demonstrate a point. This could be in the form of a diagram or a graph, but it might also be in the form of a written example which supports your point.

Outline

Identify the key points so that the reader has an overview of the subject being discussed.

Propose (proposal)

Provide a well-reasoned, well-evidenced plan for a project or piece of research for approval by a supervisor, ethics committee, company board, etc.

Recommend (recommendation)

Put forward a well-reasoned, well-evidenced practical suggestion that you believe another person, company, or group should act upon.

Support

To back up your argument with evidence from academic sources (books, academic journals or reputable websites). This is something you will need to do, even if your brief does not tell you to do this explicitly.