The BUG technique
Use the BUG technique.
This is a metacognitive technique designed to help you correctly interpret questions. The BUG technique stands for:
- Box
Put a box around the command word(s) (see list below). This also serves as a quick reminder when you come back to the question at different times. - Underline
the key words in the question. This will help you sort out not only the content expected, but also any limitations, e.g. only a specific timescale, or only one side of an argument to be analysed. You will also be weighing up which words you think are important and eliminate words that are not so vital. - Glance back and check
have you missed out any words which are important and change what you have to do? This is an often overlooked step by students, anxious to get started with their answers. But this is the part which helps you to develop critical thinking skills, and it is an important self-check to ensure you have done the previous two steps properly.
Command Words
A variety of command words may be used:
Account for | Explain why something is the way it is. |
Analyse | Explain your view of why the main points of an idea, text or process are important. Do not just describe. |
Calculate | Show the method and obtain a numerical answer. |
Compare | Write about the differences and similarities. |
Conclude | Make a decision after thinking something through. |
Contrast | Show the differences between two things. |
Criticise | Analyse and make a judgement or give an opinion. Do not just be negative, give a considered view. |
Define | Give a brief explanation of what something means. |
Describe | Say what something or someone is like or give an account of events. |
Discuss | Explain the advantages and disadvantages of something, and give your opinion. |
Evaluate | Make a judgement about the quality of something, taking the evidence into account. |
Explain | Give reason WHY something is as it is or HOW it operates. |
Give reasons for | Explain using words like because to make clear WHY things happen. |
Identify | Point out the required features or reasons. |
Interpret | Explain what you understand to be the meaning, or what someone else intended the meaning to be. |
Justify | Give good reasons for. |
Summarise | Give the main points of an idea or an argument. |
BREAK
Last modified: Friday, 21 August 2015, 3:04 PM