12 Legal Studies Key Skills/Task Words

A critical examination identifying the essential elements or features and principles. Describe implications of the them (both positive and negative) and how they relate to each other.

• APPLY

• ANALYSE

• EVALUATE

• DEFINE

Combine two or more ideas or perspectives on a topic to reach an informed conclusion; a synthesis is the main point you are making in your argument.

• ASSESS

• EVALUATE

• SYNTHESISE

• COMPARE

Express valid reasons for accepting a particular interpretation or conclusion, probably including the need to 'argue' (see above) a case.

• JUSTIFY

• ANALYSE

• INTERPRET

• DISCUSS

Use, utilise, employ in a particular situation.

• JUSTIFY

• SYNTHESISE

• EXPLAIN

• APPLY

Identify the characteristics or qualities two or more things have in common, whilst also pointing out their differences as well.

• DEFINE

• COMPARE

• EVALUATE

• APPLY

Clarify what is meant and relate it to the overall topic/concept. Usually requires you to refer to source material.

• DEFINE

• EXPLAIN

• APPLY

• INTERPRET

Show an understanding of what the concept is. Your main focus should be on the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the particular concept. Use relevant legal examples in the explanation.

• EXPLAIN

• INTERPRET

• APPLY

• ANALYSE

Outline precisely the meaning of something.

• EXPLAIN

• INTERPRET

• APPLY

• DEFINE

Present a reasoned argument for and against a particular issue. A balanced argument must be presented by providing detail about and evidence for and against two or more different views or ideas (often with reference to a statement in the question).

• COMPARE

• ANALYSE

• DISCUSS

• EVALUATE

To appraise a statement or concept in detail by providing relative strengths and weaknesses. Include an overall judgement.

• DISCUSS

• JUSTIFY

• EVALUATE

• EXPLAIN