Interpreting Essay Questions

So, you’ve been assigned an essay question and you’re not sure where to start?

This guide will help you understand how to gain a better understanding of your essay question.

Common essay questions:

The list below describes some of the most common types of essay question:

• Account for: Explain, clarify, give reasons.
• Analyse: Resolve into component parts. Examine critically and minutely.
• Assess: Determine the value of, weigh up (similar to evaluate).
• Compare: Look for similarities and differences between, perhaps reach conclusions about which is preferable Contrast Set in opposition in order to bring out the differences.
• Criticise: Make judgements (backed by the discussion of the evidence or reasoning involved).
• Define: State the exact meaning of a word or phrase. In some cases it may be necessary or desirable to examine different possible meanings or often used definitions.
• Describe: Give a detailed or graphic account.
• Discuss: Explain, then give two or more sides of the issue and any implications.
• Evaluate: Make an appraisal of the worth or validity or effectiveness of something in the light of its truth or usefulness (similar to assess).
• Explain: Make plain, interpret and account for, give reasons.
• How far..?: Determine to what extent – usually this requires looking at evidence or arguments for or against, and weighing them up.
• Illustrate: Make clear and explicit. Use carefully chosen examples.
• Interpret: Explain the meaning of, make clear and explicit, usually giving judgment.
• Justify: Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions, answer the main objection likely to be made about them.
• Outline: Give the main features or general principles of the subject, omitting minor details and emphasising structure and argument (similar to summarise).
• State: Present in a brief, clear form.
• Summarise: Give a concise, clear explanation or account of – present the chief factors and omit minor details and examples (similar to outline).

(Source: Open University : Assessment Guide 1, W100)

Example Essay Questions