If you've ever wondered if you need to draw something when your teacher asks you to "illustrate," you need this list! Here are eight common writing prompts along with explanations in plain English.

1. ILLUSTRATE
Asks you to give one or more
EXAMPLES for a term, idea or opinion

2. CLASSIFY
Asks you to divide something into
GROUPS or to sort it into CATEGORIES.

3. EXPLAIN
Asks you give the meaning of a term,
situation, idea, or process. You must
include specific details and examples.

4. DESCRIBE
Asks you give the meaning of a term,
situation, idea, or process. You must
include specific details and examples.

5. SUPPORT
Asks you to give your opinion on an
issue. You must give at least 3 specific
examples to back up your opinion.

6. IDENTIFY
Asks you to name or give examples.
This is often the same as EXPLAIN.

7. ASSESS
Asks you to make a judgement or
give an opinion. You must include
specific details and examples.

8. ANALYSE
Asks you break down the whole into parts
and then decide what are the important
parts and why they are important.