1. Understanding Assignment Questions: Descriptive v Critically analytic
This workshop will
Explain the importance of answering a set question or task appropriately 
Explore the differences between questions that ask for descriptive or critically analytic answers 
Provide a list of words along with required actions to competently answer set questions
Louise Livesey
Academic Skills Adviser
24/02/2019
Academic Skills Advice

2. Academic Skills Advice
Today’s Plan
What markers want
Explanation of descriptive and critically analytic questions or tasks
Key command words
Tips for answering descriptive and critically analytic questions
24/02/2019
Academic Skills Advice

3. Academic Skills Advice
1.What markers want
Decipher and unpick the question/task code by:
Finding the key words
Defining the key words
Addressing the key words
Don’t forget AND
24/02/2019
Academic Skills Advice

4. What are the different types of questions/tasks asking you to do?
2.Explanation of descriptive or
critically analytic ?s/tasks
What are the different types of questions/tasks asking you to do?
Descriptive questions/tasks
Critically analytic questions/tasks
Test your knowledge of a subject and your ability to present ideas in a clear and organised way. You are expected to identify the component parts, main elements and distinguishing features of any topic under discussion.
Test your knowledge of a subject – but they are more concerned with your ability to get below the surface of a subject. You are expected to examine it from different perspectives, points of view and (if applicable) to propose alternative ideas, models, and practices.
24/02/2019
Academic Skills Advice

5. and Activity 1: Keys to unlock the questions
3.Key command words
and Activity 1: Keys to unlock the questions
Descriptive
Action expected
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.
Click for table
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Academic Skills Advice

6. Academic Skills Advice
3.Key command words
and Activity 1: Keys to unlock the questions
Critically analytic
Action expected
Account for
Explain
You would clarify why something is as it is, or what happened in any given situation.
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.
Click for table
24/02/2019
Academic Skills Advice

7. Academic Skills Advice
3.Key command words
A.Evaluate the impact of the internet on practices for recruitment and selection employed by firms.
B.What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator? Give experimental evidence for the descriptions that you give, and try to account for these descriptions using a microscopic model of the material.’
C.It can be said that the long-standing nature-nurture argument about the development of human behaviour still rages today. Some theorists take the position that behaviour is attributable to generic factors, while others argue that environmental factors are responsible. Explore this issue, with reference to relevant theorists and commentators.
‘D.History is more or less bunk. It’s tradition. We don’t want tradition. We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a tinker’s damn is the history that we make today.‘ (Henry Ford 1916). Discuss.
E.Evaluate the concerns that for all the talk of a new flexible workforce the reality is somewhat more contradictory and problematic.
Activity 2
A appears
Click for B
Click for C
Click for D
Click for E
24/02/2019
Academic Skills Advice

8. Academic Skills Advice
References
Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook. 4th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Neville, C. (2009) How to improve your assignment results. Maidenhead: OUP
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Academic Skills Advice

9. 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:
24/02/2019
Academic Skills Advice

10. Academic Skills Advice
Any questions?
Produced by Louise Livesey May 2014
24/02/2019
Academic Skills Advice