Typical assignments in the content areas (Reading/English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics) should include ongoing use of certain key words, task designs, and writing strategies:

Key Words in Prompt	Tasks	Writing Strategy
explain, discuss, explore	Make an event, a process, a problem, or a relationship clear and understandable. Include examples and reasons.	explanation
identify, show, tell about, what is/are	Explain the distinguishing characteristics of a subject or the meaning of a term. Use specific details.	classification (identification/description/definition)
compare, contrast, discuss similarities and differences	Show likenesses and differences. Support your points with details and examples.	classification (comparison and contrast)
analyze, who causes and effects, examine, show how, explain why, in what way(s)	Show causes and effects, or break a subject down into its parts, showing how they function and relate to the whole. Use facts and examples.	analysis
trace, summarize, outlineë	Give a condensed description of an issue, an event, or a sequence of events. Omit minor details.	summary
evaluate, pros and cons, in your opinion, in your judgment	Present your judgment on an issue, an event, or a historical or political figure. State your criteria, and evaluate the subject on the basis of each.	synthesis (evaluation)
interpret	Consider the significance of a subject in the context of your total knowledge, and explain it in your own words.	interpretation

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