Function Verb
(click for a English/Chinese definition) |
Explanation
(Click here for a printable
matching exercise based on this table in MS Word format) |
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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. |
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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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