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Terms and Definitions 2020 PDF

This document defines academic terms used in assignment briefs and that students should use in their own assignments. It provides definitions for over 30 terms including 'analyze', 'argue', 'assess', 'comment on', 'compare', 'contrast', 'critique', 'define', 'describe', and 'evaluate'. The definitions explain what each term means in an academic context and how students should apply the terms in their work. A second section outlines additional university terminology linked to learning outcomes such as 'analysis', 'application', 'communication', 'enquiry', 'knowledge', 'learning', and 'problem solving'.

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89 views2 pages

Terms and Definitions 2020 PDF

This document defines academic terms used in assignment briefs and that students should use in their own assignments. It provides definitions for over 30 terms including 'analyze', 'argue', 'assess', 'comment on', 'compare', 'contrast', 'critique', 'define', 'describe', and 'evaluate'. The definitions explain what each term means in an academic context and how students should apply the terms in their work. A second section outlines additional university terminology linked to learning outcomes such as 'analysis', 'application', 'communication', 'enquiry', 'knowledge', 'learning', and 'problem solving'.

Uploaded by

Sylwia Cebula
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Terms & Definitions

Academic terms used in assignment briefs and should be utilised by you in your assignments

Term Definition
Account for Give reasons for; explain why something happens.
Analyse Break the information into constituent parts; examine the relationship
between the parts; question the information.
Apply Put theory into practice.
Argue Give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea or a theory.
Argument
This does not mean a “disagreement”. For assignment purposes it is
a point of view that is presented in a clear, logical and convincing way
and supported by appropriate research.
Assess Weigh up the worth, importance or usefulness of something using
evidence. There will probably be cases to be made both ‘for’ and
‘against’. (See evaluate)
Balance Look at two or more viewpoints or pieces of information; give each
equal attention; look at good and bad points; take into account many
aspects and give appropriate weighting to those aspects.
Clarify Identify the components of an issue/topic/problem; make the
meaning plain; remove misunderstandings.
Comment on Identify and write about the main issues, giving your reactions based
upon what you have read or heard in lectures. Avoid purely personal
opinions.
Compare Show how two or more things are similar. Indicate the relevance or
consequences of these similarities.
Contrast Set two or more items or arguments in opposition so as to draw out
differences. Indicate whether the differences are significant. If
appropriate, give reasons why one item or argument may be
preferable.
Contextualise To place into context. Show an understanding of the situation which
something exists or happens in which can help to explain it.
Criticise Weigh arguments for and against something, assessing the strength
of evidence on all sides. Use evidence to guide your assessment of
which opinions, theories, models and research are relevant.
Define Give the exact meaning of. When relevant show that you understand why the
definition may be problematic.
Demonstrate Show clearly by giving proof or evidence.
Describe Give the main characteristics or features of something, or outline the main
events.
Determine Find out something; calculate.
Discuss Write about the most important aspects of; give arguments for and against;
consider the implications of.
Distinguish Bring out the differences between two things and highlight them.
Estimate Calculate; judge; predict.
Evaluate Assess the worth, importance or usefulness of something, using evidence.
There will probably be cases to be made both ‘for’ and ‘against’. (See assess)
Evidence Provide evidence, prove/justify by providing a reason. This could be from
your own experience (reflection) or that of others which could be checked by
a third party.
Examine Look at the subject in detail. If required, critically evaluate as well.
Exemplify Provide examples, illustrate with evidence.

Academic Skills Updated August 2020 Page 1 of 2


Explain Make clear why something has happened or why it is the way it is.
Identify To point out a problem need or fact and prove what it is and that it exists
Illustrate Make something clear and explicit; give examples and evidence.
Interpret Give the meaning and relevance of data, findings or other materials
presented.
Justify Give evidence which supports an argument or idea; show why a decision or
conclusion was made, considering the objections that others might make.
Outline Give only the main points, showing the main structure.
Prove Show that something is true or certain; provide strong evidence.
Relate Show similarities and connections between two or more things.
Review Make a survey examining the subject carefully; similar to summarise and
evaluate.
State Give the main features, in very clear English. Sometimes like a simple list or
written in full sentences depending upon the type of assignment. Can be
evidence by quoting.
Summarise Draw out the main points only, omitting details and examples. (See outline)
Synthesize Combine information or knowledge into a coherent whole.
To what extent Consider in what ways (i) something is true or false; (ii) something meets the
requirements of a purpose; (iii) something contributes to an outcome.
Trace Follow the order of different stages in an event or process.

University Terminology linked to learning outcomes


The terms below are linked to your learning outcomes and points towards the expectations
of your tutor.

Term Definition
Analysis Breaking information into its component parts.

Application Showing how learning/theory is put into operation or practice.


Communication Providing information by speaking, writing, or using some other
medium.
Enquiry Investigating and seeking information.
Knowledge Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or
education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.

Learning The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, independent


research, experience, or being taught.
Problem Find an answer to; explanation for; or a way of effectively dealing
Solving with something.

Reflection Serious thought and consideration of an action. Turning an


experience into learning.
Understanding Demonstrate the meaning and significance of something.

Academic Skills Updated August 2020 Page 2 of 2

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