Commonly-used 'task words' and their meanings

 analyse - break a subject down into parts and examine them, showing how
they relate to each other
 argue - provide reasons for and against something, using evidence to back up
facts and opinions
 assess - judge the significance or value of something
 comment on - give an explanation or opinion of something backed up by
evidence
 compare - discuss something in relation to something else considering both
similarities and differences
 contrast - discuss two things pointing out differences
 criticise - express your views on something, saying what is good or bad and
supporting this with evidence
 debate - see discuss
 define - explain the meaning of something
 delineate - trace the shape or outline of; describe in words, especially with
detail and precision
 describe - present a full and detailed account of something
 differentiate - to notice, show or describe a difference
 discuss - examine something in detail by considering different viewpoints and
judging the arguments for and against, using evidence to support what you say
 distinguish - to make, show, or recognise a difference or differences (between
or among)
 evaluate - give your opinion on the value of something, using evidence to
support what you say
 examine - inspect something carefully and critically, considering what it
might mean
 explain - make something clear and easy to understand, for example, by
showing reasons or causes
 illustrate - show something by giving examples or diagrams
 interpret - show the meaning of something and explain its significance
backing this up with evidence where possible
 justify - provide reasons why particular decisions should be made or certain
conclusions drawn
 outline - clearly identify key features or facts, missing out minor points
 present - to put forward; submit
 prove - demonstrate that something is correct by giving accurate information
and logical argument
 review - examine something, reporting the key points and critically assessing
these
 state - express fully or clearly
 summarise - give a brief and concise account containing only important
points
 trace - identify the key stages in the development of something from the start

Source: Anon., (2008), Improving Your Coursework. Glasgow Caledonian University,

http://www.gcu.ac.uk/student/coursework/essays/taskwords.html, downloaded January 2012.