getting started - part1 - working with your topic

		analysing your topic cont.

		Make sure you understand what you are being asked to do for your assignment.

Your teacher may have included instruction words or action words in your topic, which tell you what you have to do. It is important that you understand the meaning of these words.


		a message from tutorial support teachers

		"If this is tricky, we can help you. There are more hints on action words on this website, or drop into your local campus and ask about tutorial support."

Here's some common action words and their meanings:

Action Word		Meaning

Compare		Look for and identify the similarities and differences between two or more things
Define		Give a concise meaning
Discuss		Examine the topic in detail giving arguments for and against
Explain		Tell how things work or came to be the way they are

There may be other words which define your approach to the topic,
or the aspect you need to concentrate on.

Words referring to time and place limit the range of information you will need. For example:

Time		Place

after World War 2		in South-East Asia
during the war in East Timor		among the Pacific Islands
before September 11		on the Great Barrier Reef