ACADEMIC VERBS Handout

Academic verbs are words that tell you what to do when answering a question or completing a
task, such as when you are asked to identify, analyze, or explain something. Its important that
you understand the difference between academic verbs so you can complete assignments and
assessments successfully.
IDENTIFY To know or say who someone is or what something is

DESCRIBE Give an account of something; tell about; provide a word picture

COMPARE Examine the purposes of noting similarities and differences

CONTRAST Examine to show dissimilarities or points of differences

ANALYZE Determine the component parts; examine or inspect the details, nature, or
relationship

DISCUSS Talk over; write about; consider or examine from various pints of view; debate;
present the various sides of the issue

EXPLAIN Make clear; provide the causes or reasons for something; make known in detail; tell
the meaning of

ASSESS/EVALUATE Judge the value or character of something; evaluate the positive and
negative points; give an opinion regarding the value of something

TIPS for interpreting assessment questions and tasks:

1. Underline key words/phrases in the question or directions.
2. Circle

specific requirements of the question.

3. Jot down key terms/people/examples/etc. that will be a part of your response. Be Quick.
4. Answer the question in the order it is asked. If the question is organized, A, B, C, you must answer it
A, B, C.
5. Answer each section of the question completely. When you have answered a part of the question you
circled or underlined, cross it off.
6. Be specific. Do NOT assume the reader is an expert in the topic. Cite examples to support your
answer.

7. Do not give your opinion, unless it is asked of you. Be concise .

SLCSD/AcademicVerbs2014

Interpreting Academic Verbs

Applying My Understanding
Use the article There is Gold in El Salvador and One Company Wants to Mine it to
answer the questions below.
1) Identify the main issue facing El Salvador and OceanaGold.

2) Describe why this became an issue in El Salvador. Cite evidence from the
article to support your answer.
3) Contrast the arguments on both sides of the issue:
a. What is El Salvadors argument for not allowing OceanaGold to mine
for gold?
b. What is OceanaGolds argument for being allowed to mine for gold?

4) Compare why some El Salvadorians would welcome gold mining in their

country to those who oppose it.

5) Explain why this is an issue in El Salvador. Cite evidence from the article to
support your response.

6) Analyze how El Salvadors environment could be affected if OceanaGold is

allowed to mine for gold. How do you know?

7) Discuss whether foreign companies should follow current laws of the

countries in which they operate. Why do you have the opinion you do?

8) Assess whether it is fair for El Salvador to pay OceanaGold $301 million if

they are not allowed to mine for gold. Cite evidence from the article to
support your answer.

SLCSD/AcademicVerbs2014