-^ DEFINE^ Clarify the meaning of a given topic. [See Chapter 9, Definition.]
Example: Define metamorphosis as it applies to the German cockroach.
Other clue words: definition, explain the meaning, clarify
-^ DEMONSTRATE^ Show an aspect of something by giving details. [See
Chapter 14, Process Analysis, or Chapter 10, Description.]
Example: Demonstrate the importance of safety devices in a metal-working
shop.
Other clue words: show, illustrate, explain, describe
-^ DESCRIBE^ Give details. [See Chapter 10, Description, and Chapter 14, Process
Analysis.]
Example: Describe the process of developing black-and-white film.
Other clue words: explain, show, description
-^ DISCUSS^ Elaborate upon the specific details involved in a general idea. [See
Chapter 10, Description; Chapter 14, Process Analysis; Chapter 12, Opinion;
Chapter 8, Comparison and Contrast; and Chapter 6, Cause and Effect.]
Example: Discuss the impact of tax reform on limited partnerships.
Other clue words: explain, elaborate upon, talk about
-^ EXPLAIN^ Give reasons for a thing being as it is. [See Chapter 10, Description;
Chapter 13, Persuasion; and Chapter 12, Opinion.]
Example: Explain how a bill becomes law.
Other clue words: how, why, what
-^ ILLUSTRATE^ Explain a main idea through use of specific examples. [See
Chapter 8, Comparison and Contrast; Chapter 10, Description; Chapter 14,
Process Analysis; Chapter 12, Opinion; Chapter 6, Cause and Effect, and
Chapter 27, Literary Analyses.]
Example: Define deus ex machina and illustrate from at least six plays.
Other clue words: how, give illustrations, give examples
-^ INTERPRET^ Indicate the meaning or significance of a given topic. [See
Chapter 27, Literary Analyses; Chapter 10, Description; Chapter 6, Cause and
Effect; Chapter 8, Comparison and Contrast; and Chapter 14, Process Analysis.]
Example: Interpret Hamlet’s soliloquy that begins, “To be or not to be... .”
Other clue words: analyze, interpretation, significance, meaning of, show
influence of, analyze
188 / Types of Writing