| Proper word |
Definition |
Example |
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| to describe |
to give a detailed account of sth. |
to describe the protagonist's outward appearance |
| to outline |
to give the essential features, structure, general priciples of a topic |
to outline the author's views on friendship, honour and morals |
| to state |
to specify clearly |
State in your own words the development of the main character's views on love |
| to present |
to structure, to write down |
to present the situation of the president |
| to point out |
to find and explain certain aspects |
to point out the author's views on.. |
to summarize,
write a summary |
to give a concise account of the main ideas |
Summarize all the information concerning the dangers of nuclear plants |
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| Proper word |
Definition |
Example |
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| to analyse, to examine |
to describe and explain in detail aspects or features of the text |
Analyse the opposing views on genetic engeneering. Examine the author's view of the language |
| to characterize |
to describe and examine the way in which the characters are presented |
Characterize/ write a characterization of the main figures in the play. |
| to explain |
to describe and define in detail |
Explain the protagonist's attitude towards money. |
| to illustrate |
to use examples to explain or make clear |
Illustrate the author's use of figurative language. |
| to interpret |
to make clear the meaning of sth. |
Interpret the message the author wants to convey to the reader. |
| to compare |
to point out similarities and differences |
Compare the attitude of the two politicians towards globalisation |
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| Proper word |
Definition |
Example |
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| to comment |
to state clearly your opinion on the topic in question and support your views with evidence |
Comment on the suggestion made in the text that a 'lack of women in the military demonstrates a weakness in the role of women in society'. |
| to discuss |
to investigate or examine by argument; give reasons for and against |
Discuss the implications of globalisation as presented in the text. |
| to justify |
to show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions |
You are a headmaster of a school. Justify the decision to leave school premises during breaks. |
| to evaluate |
to form an opinion after carefully considering and presenting advantages and disadvantages |
Evaluate the author's view of the impact of television on young people |
| to contrast |
to emphasise the differences between two or more ideas |
Contrast the author's idea of human aggression with the theories of aggression you have read about. |
| to assess |
to consider in a balanced way the points for and against sth. |
Assess the importance of common values in society. |
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