Introduction:
The first step in writing an essay or an assignment is to make sure you understand the
topic question. When you understand clearly what you are being asked to do, you will be
able to plan your response to the topic question. The following functions (which describe
what you have to do) are commonly used in assignments, tests and examinations.
Instructions:
Read the following explanations of the different functions, then try the exercise.
| Function Verb (click for a English/Chinese definition) |
Explanation (Click here for a printable matching exercise based on this table in MS Word format) |
Explain the reasons for, giving an indication of all relevant circumstances. This is very different from "give an account of", which asks only for a detailed description. |
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Consider carefully and in detail by breaking the problem down into its constituent parts, identifying and describing in detail the main characteristics, and recognizing the relationships between them. |
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Make use of given or known information to solve other problems either through generalization or theorizing. |
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State clearly, and in a moderate fashion, your opinion on the material in question. Support your views with references to suitable evidence or with explanations as appropriate. |
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Look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other. Emphasize similarities, but be aware of points of difference. |
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Stress the dissimilarities and differences between the items in question, but do not ignore points of similarity. |
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Give concise, clear and authoritative meanings. Do not give too many details, but be sure to state the limits of the definition. Show how the things you are defining differ from things in other categories. |
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Give a detailed or graphic account presenting all aspects or parts. |
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Investigate or examine carefully by argument and debate, giving pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages. Be complete and give details. Consider all sides of the issue and reach a balanced conclusion. |
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/ Give Examples |
Provide evidence for a point or claim by describing an example and explaining its relevance. |
Make an appraisal of the worth of something, in the light of its truth or utility, including both advantages and limitations. Emphasize the views of authorities as well as your personal opinion. Also: ‘assess’. |
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Clarify, interpret and account for the material you present. Give reasons for important features or developments, and try to analyze causes. |
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Given a set of instances, pick out a particular subset. |
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Use a figure or diagram to explain or clarify a problem, situation or view, or make clear by the use of concrete examples. |
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Explain the meaning of; make clear and explicit; give your own judgement. |
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Prove, make out a case or give reasons for decisions and conclusions. Be convincing, show adequate grounds. |
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Write an itemized series of concise statements. Also: ‘enumerate’. |
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Provide a framework description of the main features or general principles of a subject, omitting minor details, and emphasizing structure, arrangement or classification of the material. |
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Establish that something is true by citing factual evidence or giving clear logical reasons. |
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Show how things are connected to each other, how one causes another, correlates with another, and to what extent they are alike, or affect each other. |
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Make a survey of, examining the subject critically, analysing and commenting on the important points or stages of development. |
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Present in brief, clear form. |
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Give a concise account of the main points or facts of a matter, omitting details and examples. |
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Follow the history, progress or development of a topic or a sequence of events from the point of origin. |
The following are a collection of topic questions from different university courses. While the content differs, the functions are common to all university courses.
For each of the following topic questions, decide what you are being asked to do. Choose from the list the functions next to each topic question. More than one function is possible (by holding down the Ctrl key while choosing the second option). Note that all topic questions ask you to do more than one thing.
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