Important ‘instruction’ words/vocabulary for tests such as IELTS and high-level conversation

We are constantly confronted with verbal and written instructions. You may have to fill in a form, give or follow directions from one place to another, follow medication instructions, read a map, follow a recipe, follow origami instructions, use a knitting or sewing pattern, follow instructions to put up a tent, build a model aeroplane or navigate a website on the internet.

These instructions help us with doing practical things in life. If we don’t read our medicine instructions correctly, we may over-medicate and put our lives in danger. Similarly, if we don’t follow the instructions for putting up a tent, we may have to sleep in the cold night air or fight disease-carrying insects while we try to sleep.

In a test or exam situation (eg IELTS), it is also very important to understand the instructions. If you don’t read the instructions carefully, you may answer incorrectly and lose many points. Although you may have written 250 words, you will have wasted your effort and precious exam time.

Below is a list of common ‘instruction’ vocabulary. How many of the 34 words do you know? Use a dictionary to help you further understand the meanings of these important words.

1. answer = reply, respond or react to a question
2. analyse = look at carefully and discuss the work, section by section
3. argue = debate something and give supporting or opposing reasons – use opinions, facts, evidence
4. assess = consider, evaluate, calculate
5. compare = look for qualities that are similar or resemble each other
6. comment = offer your remark, opinion or criticism
7. consider = think about carefully, contemplate, pay attention to
8. contrast = explain how two things are different/dissimilar
9. convey = impart, transmit or communicate ideas and information
10. convince = sway the opinion of the reader(s)
11. debate = discuss both sides of an issue in order to reach your opinion
12. depict =  portray or describe
13. describe = explain or give a detailed account of something in order to paint a picture in the mind of the reader
14. determine = find out, establish, decide or settle
15. discuss = talk or write about, debate the issues, introduce alternative viewpoints
16. explain = make something clear or easy to understand, provide reasons or explanations
17. explore = investigate something in order to learn about it
18. identify = name or classify something
19. illustrate = explain by means of examples
20. indicate = point out, make known
21. inform = tell or notify
22. interpret = give your particular viewpoint or understanding of something
23. justify = back up your answer/opinion with reasons, evidence or examples
24. motivate = justify or give reasons for your answer
25. name/list = give an account of names, events etc without explanation or interpretation
26. paraphrase = rewrite something in your own/other words without changing the meaning
27. portray = describe vividly in words
28. prove = demonstrate the truth by evidence or argument
29. quote = repeat in inverted commas the exact words that someone else has said or written
30. relate = show the connection between various aspects
31. show = support your position with facts or evidence
32. state = express fully or clearly, specify
33. substantiate = support or add weight to your answer with facts, reasons or opinions
34. summarise = give only the main points in the order in which they occur

Remember to read your exam/test questions carefully and correctly just like you would read the instructions for taking medicine.

Further thinking:

If you want to have high-level conversation with others, you need to be able to create meaningful speech. You have to work at knowing how to convey and explain your ideas, discuss your thoughts, explore the other persons opinions, relate what you are saying to what others are saying, state what it is you want to say etc. Use the meanings of the vocabulary above to help you think about and develop your  high-level conversation ability. Take all opportunities to practice speaking. The more you practice, the more you will be able to ‘convey’ your ideas and thoughts.

Want to talk about it? Leave me a comment.

As always, happy learning and do your best! I don’t expect anything more of you!

Best regards

Maria Mitsu

English (as a Second Language) Tutor