Understanding what you are being asked to do for an assignment is a key component to plan your academic essay. If Google Maps says turn left and you turn right, you may not arrive at your destination no matter how well you drive. Following directions carefully is very important in academic essay writing. You could write the best essay in the world and still get a poor mark because you did not follow the assignment guidelines.
There are many key terms in essay assignment questions that can be confusing. Having a good understanding of the differences between each term can help you determine how you should approach your paper. The tabs above explain several terms that are commonly found in assignment guidelines.
Definition - Write an essay or provide an answer about a particular topic.
Tip - Give a brief summary of the character(s) or idea(s) that you will be mentioning in your paper. You can do this by defining key terms or by using quick anecdotes from the piece.
Definition - Describe any similarities, differences, or associations between two or more subjects.
Tip - Do not simply summarize the story or article in your paper. You must go beyond surface ideas and dig deep for further meaning.
Definition - Provide concrete evidence as to why something is true or false.
Tip - This term directs you to show - not tell - readers why something is true or false. The important thing here is how well you can support your position on a topic, not what the actual position is.
Definition - Provide an explanation on a specific subject or object.
Tip - Imagine that your readers have no background information on your topic. Consider the point of view of the reader when you write so that your description can be clear and concise.
Definition - This term asks for your opinion on a particular subject.
Tip - Remember, your opinion is valid only when you are able to justify and support it with solid evidence. Be sure to look at both sides of an argument, and counter the opposing arguments.
Definition - This term asks for your position on a particular subject.
Tip - Do not simply critique something independent of its relationship to other parts. Instead, you should relate this idea or object to other parts of the text and explain how it helps you understand the overall meaning of the text.
Use this tip sheet to think about how you will structure the text of your essay.
Key Terms in Essay Assignments
Use this tip sheet as a reference to help you understand the key terms in your essay assignments.
Assignment Planner (Seneca College)
Use this assignment planner to break down your assignment or project into manageable steps. Deadlines for each step are provided to help you stay on track.
✓ Read the assignment carefully. Pay special attention to key or "command" words like "Compare," "Contrast," or "Discuss."
✓ Understand the instructions. Make sure you know what the command words mean before you start writing.
✓ Highlight key terms. Refer to these terms often to ensure that you are doing what the assignment asks.
✓ Read the rubric. If your instructor provides a grading rubric for the assignment, refer to it to get a better idea what they are looking for.
✓ Access help when in doubt. Discuss the assignment with your instructor if you have doubts about the instructions. Peer tutors can also be good resources, or you can book an appointment with our Writing Support Specialist.
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