| Account for |
Give reasons for or explain why something has occurred. This task directs you to consider contributing factors to a certain situation or event. You are expected to make a decision about why these occurred, not just describe the events. |
Account for the factors that led to the global financial crisis. |
| Analyse |
Consider the different elements of a concept, statement or situation. Show the different components and show how they connect or relate. Your structure and argument should be logical and methodical. |
Analyse the political, social and economic impacts of climate change. |
| Assess |
Make a judgement on a topic or idea. Consider its reliability, truth and usefulness. In your judgement, consider both the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing arguments to determine your topic’s worth. |
Assess the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression. |
| Classify |
Divide your topic into categories or sub-topics logically (could possibly be part of a more complex task). |
Classify the artists studied this semester according to the artistic periods they best represent. Then choose one artist and evaluate their impact on future artists. |
| Comment on |
State your opinion on an issue or idea. You may explain the issue or idea in more detail. Be objective and support your opinion with reliable evidence. |
Comment on the government’s proposal to legalise safe injecting rooms. |
| Compare OR Compare and contrast |
Show the similarities and differences between two or more ideas, theories, systems, arguments or events. You are expected to provide a balanced response, highlighting similarities and differences. |
Compare the efficiency of wind and solar power generation for a construction site. |
| Contrast |
Point out only the differences between two or more ideas, theories, systems, arguments or events. |
Contrast virtue ethics and utilitarianism as models for ethical decision making. |
| Critically analyse |
It does not mean to criticise, instead you are required to give a balanced account, highlighting strengths and weaknesses about the topic. Reliable evidence and your interpretation of that evidence must support your overall judgment. |
Critically analyse the impacts of mental health on recidivism within youth justice. |
| Define |
Provide a precise meaning of a concept. You may need to include the limits or scope of the concept within a given context. |
Define digital disruption as it relates to productivity. |
| Describe |
Provide a thorough description, emphasising the most important points. Use words to show appearance, function, process, events or systems. You are not required to make judgements. |
Describe the pathophysiology of asthma. |
| Distinguish |
Highlight the differences between two (possibly confusing) items. |
Distinguish between exothermic and endothermic reactions. |
| Discuss |
Provide an analysis of a topic. Use evidence to support your argument. Be logical and include different perspectives on the topic (This requires more than a description). |
Discuss how Brofenbrenner’s ecological system’s theory applies to adolescence. |
| Evaluate |
Review both positive and negative aspects of a topic. You may need to provide an overall judgement regarding the value or usefulness of the topic. Evidence (referencing) must be included to support your writing. |
Evaluate the impact of inclusive early childhood education programs on subsequent high school completion rates for First Nations students. |
| Explain |
Describe and clarify the situation or topic. Depending on your discipline area and topic, this may include processes, pathways, cause and effect, impact, or outcomes. |
Explain the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the film industry in Australia. |
| Illustrate |
Clarify a point or argument with examples and evidence. |
Illustrate how society’s attitudes to disability have changed from a medical model to a wholistic model of disability. |
| Justify |
Give evidence which supports an argument or idea; show why a decision or conclusions were made. I may use justify with other topic words, such as outline, argue. |
Outline the key issues and implications of a welfare cashless debit card trial and make recommendations for improvement. Justify your decision-making process for the recommendations. |
| Review |
A comprehensive description of the situation or topic which provides a critical analysis of the key issues. |
Provide a review of Australia's asylum policies since the Pacific Solution in 2001. |
| Summarise |
An overview or brief description of a topic. (This is likely to be part of a larger assessment task.) |
Summarise the process for calculating the correct load for a plane. |
