Understanding Analytical Terms

What does it mean to "Analyze" something?

• To give examples

• To separate into parts and discuss the parts

• To show similarities and differences

• To give reasons and causes

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

What is the purpose of "Compare & Contrast"?

• To show similarities and differences

• To give a definition

• To explain clearly

• To number the items

What does "Criticize" involve?

• Giving a definition

• Giving an opinion concerning the good points and bad points of something

• Explaining clearly

• Giving reasons and causes

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

What does it mean to "Define" something?

• To give a definition and in so doing separate it from similar things

• To explain clearly

• To give examples

• To show the progress or cause and effect of some event

What is the meaning of "Describe"?

• To explain clearly, giving characteristics or distinctive features

• To give reasons and causes

• To argue in favor of something

• To show how things are connected

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

What does "Discuss" entail?

• To consider and evaluate as many details as possible, giving pros and cons

• To give examples

• To number the items

• To present factual evidence

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

What is the purpose of "Evaluate"?

• To give an opinion about the value or quality of something, giving the positive and negative sides

• To explain the meaning and/or comment on a subject

• To show the progress or cause and effect of some event

• To extract the meaning and briefly repeat in your own words the main points

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

What does "Explain" mean?

• To give reasons and causes

• To give examples

• To show similarities and differences

• To argue in favor of something

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What does "Illustrate" involve?

• To give examples

• To separate into parts and discuss the parts

• To show similarities and differences

• To give reasons and causes

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-5

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

NGSS.HS-PS3-2

What does "Interpret" mean?

• To explain the meaning and/or comment on a subject, using your judgment

• To give a definition

• To explain clearly

• To number the items

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2