Essay Keywords
Every essay question will generally contain a key word that tells you what kind of answer your teacher wants. Here is a list of some key words commonly found in essay questions:
Separate out the parts and show how they relate to the whole. For example, whether you are asked to analyze a poem, story, or play, you will need to look at individual elements such as point of view, setting, characters, plot, imagery or symbolism, and motifs or themes. See how each of these elements contributes to the overall meaning of the work.
Give reasons for or against. Be sure to use specific examples to back up your points.
These words often appear together but not always. If you are asked to compare, show the similarities and the differences. If you are asked to contrast, show only the differences.
Write about a subject in detail, often so that the reader gets a clear mental picture or image of what you are describing.
Write about a subject in detail, giving reasons and examples.
State the main ideas briefly, leaving out specific examples.
Walden University
Wondering about online education at Walden? Get answers to your questions, meet faculty, and learn what it's like to be a Walden student. Click here to check out our free Walden Forums!
2008 Summer Games
Celebrate this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing, China, with our resources, activities, and lessons. Try a Classroom Olympics lesson, find out more about the Top 10 Olympic Controversies, and learn more about the Modern Olympics.
Online Courses for Busy Teachers
Earn graduate credit with no commute. Finish in as few as 4 weeks. Facilitated online courses from Drake University and Pearson.
August Events
Find educational resources for every day in August. Be sure to fill your August lessons with activities for Inventor's Month and Family Fun Month.
Back to School Resources
Start the school year off with ease and enthusiasm! Our lesson plans, printables, activities, and advice range from taking attendance to learning about your new students. Learn the Top 10 Things Every Teacher Needs in the Classroom, find our Most Popular Bulletin Boards, make students feel at ease with Icebreakers, and much more!
Drama Resources
Explore our drama resources – from Shakespearean plays to The Miracle Worker to Readers Theater – to widen your curricular focus. Students will enjoy the change of pace that putting on a classroom play will bring!
ADD/ADHD Resources
From frequently asked questions to assessment accommodations, these articles and resources will help you to deal with the special nature of students with ADD/ADHD.

