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In order to decide how to answer an essay question, you need to identify what the question requires in terms of content and genre. This guide outlines some methods to help you analyse essay questions.
Assignment questions can be broken down into parts so that you can better understand what you are being asked to do. It is important to identify key words and phrases in the topic.
Key words are words in a question that tell you the approach you should take when answering an essay question.
Task Words |
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Content Words |
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Limiting Words |
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Make sure you understand the meaning of all the key words in an essay question, especially the Task words. As Task words direct you and tell you how to go about answering a question, understanding the meaning helps you to know exactly what you have to do.
Content words define the scope of your assignment and take you halfway towards narrowing down your material and selecting your answer. Limiting words focus the topic even further.
If you're not sure about any aspect of the question, ask your tutor/ lecturer for clarification. Never start any assignment until you know and understand exactly what you are being asked to do.
Example Question: (from the school of education)
Computers have had a significant impact on education in the 20th century. Discuss the changes they have made.
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| Content Words |
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| Limiting Words |
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Links
Answering the Question University of Canberra
Analysing Assignment Questions University of Southern Queensland
Analysing a topic University of Tasmania
Interpreting an Assignment Question Massey University Learning Centre NZ