Basic English Language Skills
Developed for Oxbridge Academy
Consider:
Carefully examine 
something and give a 
judgement or opinion.
Compare:
Highlight or point out differences 
and similarities between things 
or ideas.
Criticise:
Analyse, identify and evaluate 
good and bad characteristics, 
and give your opinion based on 
the evidence you present
Contrast:
Point out the differences  
between certain facts,  
ideas or views.
Assess:
State both the positive 
and the negative aspects.
Describe:
Show what something is like 
by noting important features.
Define:
Give the meaning of a 
word or concept
Discuss:
Consider the topic from various 
points of view.
Distinguish:
Clearly identify the  
differences between 
ideas, facts or views.
Evaluate:
State both the positive 
and the negative aspects.