Question analysis
What exactly is the question asking? This four-step process of question analysis will help you to understand exactly what the question requires of you. Here is a sample question that we will use as an illustration:
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Discuss the relationship between literacy and academic success within the contexts of secondary and tertiary education. |
1. Identify the subject
What, in one or two words, is the question about? This is often an easy task, but sometimes essay questions are long and at first sight daunting; identifying the subject provides a first step out of the confusion.
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In our sample question, the subject is ‘the relationship between literacy and academic success'. |
2. Identify the instruction word/s
What is the essay asking you to do: discuss, critically evaluate, describe, analyse? We'll look at instruction words in more detail below. Not all questions have instruction words, and in this case you’ll need to decide for yourself what you are required to do. Most essays in the Education Faculty want you to do more than simply describe or outline. Usually you are required to discuss an issue, to show that you have an understanding of the most important points of view that surround it.
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In our sample, the instruction word is discuss |
3. Identify the key aspects in this particular question
Where does the question want you to focus your attention? Identifying the key aspects helps you to avoid using irrelevant material.
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Here, the key aspects are 'the contexts of secondary and tertiary education'. This means your essay should not be a general discussion of literacy and academic success; nor should it wander into primary education unless literacy in primary school is clearly related to later academic success. |
4. Are there any other significant words or phrases to take into account?
Terms sometimes require definition or discussion. Even relatively innocent words, such as schooling, culture or creativity, may need defining. This can be done in the introduction, or can form a substantial point in the body of your essay.
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In our sample question, it’s good to keep in mind the words ‘academic success’. There are a number of ways of defining academic success. It may not simply mean good marks. The word ‘literacy’ is a very significant word. What does it mean in this context? Does it mean more than just reading and writing? What are the current definitions of literacy? Taking account of this word in your answer will give your essay substance and depth. |
There is no ‘right answer’ in question analysis as there is nearly always more than one way of interpreting a question. These steps are intended as a guide to ensure you identify the most important aspects so that you can then arrive at your own interpretation.
