Understanding Key Analytical Concepts: Analyze, Describe, Compare, Evaluate, Determine, and Continuities
This guide explores essential analytical concepts necessary for various assessments. Learn what it means to analyze—examining details to identify causes and effects; describe—providing a detailed account of characteristics; compare—highlighting similarities and differences; evaluate—assessing and judging carefully; and determine—deciding or figuring out certain aspects. The section on continuities explains the stability and absence of disruption in contexts. Each concept is accompanied by synonyms and relevant examples to enhance understanding.
Understanding Key Analytical Concepts: Analyze, Describe, Compare, Evaluate, Determine, and Continuities
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Presentation Transcript
Key Words to Identify You need to know these for various test questions!
Analyze What does it mean to analyze something? • It means toexamine carefully and in detail soasto identify causes, key factors,possibleresults,etc. • Synonym: Dissect Example: - Analyze the causes of WWI - Analyze why Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston got divorced
Describe What does it mean to describe something? • Give an account in words of (someone or something), including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events • Synonym: Define or exemplify Example: - Describe the impact of the Civil Rights Movement - Describe the cast of Jersey Shore
Compare What does it mean to compare something? • To show similarities and differences • Synonyms: contrast Example: - Compare the Axis and the Allies in WWII - Compare Biggie and Tupac
Evaluate What does it mean to evaluate something? • To examine and judge carefully • Synonym: assess Example: - Evaluate the causes of WWII - Evaluate the causes of the Chris Brown and Rihanna fight
Determine What does it mean to determine something? • To figure out or decide • Synonym: Decide or Define Example: - Determine why Japan bombed Pearl Harbor - Determine if Snookie will be a good parent
Continuities What are continuities? • A state of stability and the absence of disruption • Synonyms: repeated, stable, consecutive Example: - What continuities are seen in the US Government - What continuities are displayed in Harry Potter
