Working with texts: task descriptions ("Operatoren")

Analyse / Examine / Describe and explain

1. Introduction;
2. present the case (audio / text / movie scene / visual input);
3. break down the case into categories;
4. collect material (in detail);
5. assign your findings to these categories;
6. arrange them in logical order (= structure them);
7. give evidence for your findings;
8. use structuring phrases (“Additionally, …”, “However…”, “Moreover…”)
9. Make conclusions;

Assess / Evaluate

1. Introduction;
2. analyse the case;
3. state the pros;
4. then, state the cons;
5. make a final judgement.

Characterize

1. Introduction;
2. present the case;
3. describe somebody’s character;
4. provide suitable examples;
5. draw a conclusion.

Comment on / Reflect on / State your view on

1. Introduction;
2. present the case;
3. Present your opinion;
4. Give reasons (with reference to the text);
5. Make a conclusion and restate your opinion.

Compare

1. Introduction;
2. present the case;
3. first, point out similarities;
4. then, show the differences;
5. present some evidence from the text;
6. make conclusions.

Contrast

1. Introduction;
2. present the case;
3. point out the differences;
4. use contrasting phrases: “whereas…”, “in contrast to …”;
5. make conclusions.

Define

1. Introduction;
2. Analyse the case;
3. Distinguish various aspects of the term or idea in question;
4. Back up your statements with evidence;
5. be precise;
6. to conclude, give a detailed definition.

Describe

1. Introduction;
2. analyse the case;
3. list all relevant details;
4. follow the rules of description;
5. use descriptive language;
6. sum up.

Discuss

1. Introduction;
2. present the case fairly, objectively, and neutrally;
3. present pros and always connect them with cons;
4. Add background information and reasoning;
5. Use connecting and contrasting phrases;
6. Make a conclusion but do not comment.

Find evidence for / prove

1. Introduction;
2. analyse the case;
3. list all relevant factors to provea statement;
4. follow a certain line of argument;

Interpret

1. Introduction;
2. present the case;
3. analyse the components;
4. explain their meaning or purpose
5. by connecting them to the context;
6. add background information;
7. make a conclusion.

Justify

1. Introduction;
2. present the case;
3. Give reasons for a decision or conclusion;
4. Arrange them purposefully;
5. Use connecting phrases (“Firstly…”, “Above that…”)
6. Make a final conclusion to back up your claim.

Outline

1. Introduction;
2. analyse the case;
3. divide up the case in major points and subcategories;
4. list all important points for each category;
5. follow a certain line of argument;
6. give a conclusion.

Point out

1. Introduction;
2. present the case;
3. identify the main aspects;
4. show the importance of said aspects;
5. make a conclusion.

Present how

1. Introduction;
2. analyse the case;
3. identify the main points;
4. arrange them logically;
5. support your findings with examples from the text;
6. give a conclusion.

Relate

1. Introduction;
2. present the case, describe A and B;
3. show the connections between A and B;
4. provide some examples;
5. make conclusions.

State the reasons for …

1. Introduction;
2. analyse the case;
3. list all the reasons;
4. follow a certain line of argument;
5. give a final conclusion.

Summarize / Sum up

1. Introduction;
2. analyse the case;
3. identify the main points;
4. explain them in your own words;
5. be concise and leave out minor details;
6. give a conclusion.