Task Words: Describe, Explain, Justify, Illustrate

Know exactly what each direction word asks for in a written answer.

Directions on assignments and tests are written in a small set of task words, and each asks for a different kind of answer. 'Describe' asks what something is like: give details and features. 'Explain' asks how or why: give reasons, causes, or steps. 'Justify' asks you to defend a choice or claim with evidence and reasoning. 'Illustrate' asks you to make an idea clear with examples. Here is the same topic, four ways. Describe the water cycle: name the stages.

Explain the water cycle: show how heat causes evaporation and cooling causes condensation. Justify the claim that the water cycle affects farming: give evidence linking rainfall to crops. Illustrate the water cycle: give a specific example, such as a puddle drying and rain returning days later. Students often describe when asked to explain, and they lose credit even with correct facts. Circle the task word first, and let it shape your answer.

• 1Describe: what it is like.
• 2Explain: how or why.
• 3Justify: defend with evidence. Illustrate: give examples.