16 October 2026, 06:36 PM
Assignment questions use instruction verbs with specific meanings. Reading the verb correctly tells you what structure and depth the grader expects.
The pieces that seem to matter:
These verbs do not just change the tone, they change the whole layout of the answer. A describe question can be ordered chronologically. A compare question needs either a block structure or a point by point structure. A discuss question needs both sides set out fairly before a conclusion. An evaluate question needs criteria stated early so the reader knows what your judgment is based on.
A handful of other verbs come up constantly too. Explain means give reasons for why or how something happens. Assess is close to evaluate, so you weigh importance or effectiveness and reach a judgment. Critically analyse asks you to break something down and question its assumptions, strengths and weaknesses. Justify means give evidence for a position, and outline means a brief summary of the main points without much detail.
Many questions contain two or three verbs, such as describe and evaluate. That usually means the marks are split between them. Students often spend most of the word count on the easier first verb and rush the second, which is normally where the higher marks sit. Checking the rubric can show exactly how the marks are divided.
One habit that helps is rewriting the question in your own words before planning, using the same verb. If you cannot do that clearly, ask your instructor. Getting the task right at the start saves far more time than any writing shortcut you could take later on.
The takeaway:
The pieces that seem to matter:
- Describe - The facts, no judgment
- Analyse - Break apart, show links
- Evaluate - Judge against criteria
- Compare - Similarities and differences
- Discuss - Both sides, then decide
These verbs do not just change the tone, they change the whole layout of the answer. A describe question can be ordered chronologically. A compare question needs either a block structure or a point by point structure. A discuss question needs both sides set out fairly before a conclusion. An evaluate question needs criteria stated early so the reader knows what your judgment is based on.
A handful of other verbs come up constantly too. Explain means give reasons for why or how something happens. Assess is close to evaluate, so you weigh importance or effectiveness and reach a judgment. Critically analyse asks you to break something down and question its assumptions, strengths and weaknesses. Justify means give evidence for a position, and outline means a brief summary of the main points without much detail.
Many questions contain two or three verbs, such as describe and evaluate. That usually means the marks are split between them. Students often spend most of the word count on the easier first verb and rush the second, which is normally where the higher marks sit. Checking the rubric can show exactly how the marks are divided.
One habit that helps is rewriting the question in your own words before planning, using the same verb. If you cannot do that clearly, ask your instructor. Getting the task right at the start saves far more time than any writing shortcut you could take later on.
The takeaway:
- Highlight the verb before you write a single word.
- I found most of this on CollegeEssay.org, which breaks down reading an assignment task correctly properly.
- Anyone want to add to this? Keen to hear what people found mattered most.