1. ‘I didn’t answer the question or address the brief’, My Feedback Says.
This workshop will:
- Explore how to identify key words
- Look at how learning outcomes impact on assignment briefs and questions
- Offer strategies for staying focused on the essay or assignment topic.
Louise Livesey
Academic Skills Adviser
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

2. Academic Skills Advice
Today’s plan
What markers want
Key words: propositions and assumptions
Identifying command words
Learning outcomes, briefs and questions
Other key words
Staying focused on your topic
All appear on one
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

3. Academic Skills Advice
1.What markers want
Relevance to topic:
Don’t write everything you know about a topic
Unpick the question by looking for key words: If you can define them, you can address them.
Look for propositions and assumptions within the brief or question
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

4. Academic Skills Advice
2.Key words:
Propositions and assumptions
A proposition:
A definite point of view or statement to discuss
An assumption:
A point of view that is taken for granted, therefore no discussion necessary
How have life transitions changed over the last three decades in Britain? Evaluate the implications for individuals in managing transition and change in the future.
Click for example brief/question
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

5. 3.Identifying command words
Action expected
Descriptive terms: Test your knowledge of a subject and your ability to present ideas in a clear and organised way. Identify the component parts, main elements and distinguishing features of any topic.
Define
Describe
State
Classify
Identify
You are expected to locate, identify, and present the main features, elements, or components of the topic under discussion and, if applicable, the underpinning theoretical knowledge of the subject.
Demonstrate
Illustrate
Show how
As above, plus you would be expected to present and explain examples to show that you understand how something works, e.g. how a theory, model, idea, or practice can be applied to a given situation.
Outline
Summarise
You are expected to identify and summarise the main points of the topic under discussion.
Trace
This means that you identify and outline the stages of development of the topic under discussion.
Account for
Explain
You would clarify why something is as it is, or what happened in any given situation.
Critically analytic terms: Test your knowledge of a subject – but need to get below the surface of a subject. Examine it from different perspectives, points of view and (if applicable) propose alternative ideas, models, and practices.
Discuss
Examine
Explore
Evaluate
Consider
Interpret
Comment on
If you see any of these command terms you are expected to identify and explain the main features of the subject under discussion, including the main theories, ideas, models, or practices underpinning the topic.
If applicable, you would be expected to know of and weigh up any counter-arguments and to make connections between different ideas, models, or practices.
Analyse
Criticise
This involves a detailed scrutiny of the topic in question. This could include explaining the origins, structure, organisation, or development of the topic in question, the positive and negative features of it, and the connections between theories, ideas, models, and practices. You would also demonstrate your awareness of any flaws in particular points of view, and your knowledge of alternative viewpoints.
Justify
This involves making out a case and giving reasons to support a particular viewpoint, position, judgement, or decision against other possibilities.
Compare and contrast
Distinguish between
This involves a close study of the differences between one idea, phenomena, or situation, and another. You would need to identify the structure or features of one and make comparisons with another. You may be required to make a judgement on which is more applicable or relevant for the situation in question.
3.Identifying command words

6. Academic Skills Advice
4.Learning outcomes, briefs
and questions
Learning outcomes
Questions/briefs
Your answers
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

7. Academic Skills Advice
4.Learning outcomes, briefs
and questions
From learning outcomes:
evaluate, apply, critical, identify, analyse, synthesize, interpret, select, justify, analysis
TALKING POINT
In questions and briefs:
Critically, discuss, examine, assess, evaluate, analysis
Click for answers
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

8. Academic Skills Advice
5.Other key words
Peer mentoring programs match older youths with young students in one-on-one relationships to provide guidance for the children. Through this special relationship, peer mentors provide support and serve as role models for younger people who need help. Challenges facing those being mentored include problems with schoolwork; social issues; family problems or tension; and other typical difficulties of growing up.
Extract adapted from Youth in Action Bulleting (1999)
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

9. Academic Skills Advice
6.Staying focused on your topic
Before and during writing by…
• drawing up a list of key words
• creating a structured assignment plan. Does each point’s paragraph answer the question?
Yes – it stays No – it goes (or it gets amended)
• write down the brief or question on a small piece of paper and stick it in front of you
• not editing as you write
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

10. Academic Skills Advice
References
Goins, J. (2014) How to stay focused writing. Goins, Writer. [online] Available at: [Accessed ]
Neville, C. (2009) How to improve your assignment results. Maidenhead: OUP
Youth in Action. (1999) What is peer mentoring? Rockville: National Criminal Justice Reference Service. [online] Available at: [Accessed ]
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

11. Academic Skills Advice Service
Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23. Give us a call or come speak to us Monday- Friday 9am-5pm (closing at 4pm Fridays).
Who am I? Louise, the dedicated workshop adviser.
Who can help me with study and writing skills? Lucy and Russell run Instant Study Skills Advice sessions every weekday and Writing Skills Clinics three times a week. You can also access self-help resources on our webpage.
Who can give me maths advice? Helen and Michael specialise in Maths support for students though clinics and pre-booked appointment.
How do I get in touch? Telephone:
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice

12. Academic Skills Advice
Any questions?
23/11/2018
Academic Skills Advice