Expository: Understanding the Question Requirements
Writing Practice
To ensure that your writing effectively answers the given question, it is important to first unpack what the question is asking. The first step is to identify the keywords and degree words. Each paragraph in your essay has to address these keywords and degree words.
KEYWORDS
Keywords tell you what main topic your essay should focus on.
Using the 5W (Who, What, When, Where, Why) questions can help you identify the key words.
DEGREE WORDS
Degree words indicate the intensity to which the topic applies.
Look out for words that indicate
quantity (how much), frequency (how often), and quality (how good).Common examples
Quantity: all, most, few
Frequency: often, never, always
Quality: best, strongest, fastest
EXAMPLE QUESTION
KEYWORDS
What “pop music”
Without this keyword: You might focus on a different music genre.
When “today”, “than before”
Without these keywords: You miss out comparing time periods.
DEGREE WORDS
Quality: “better”
Without this keyword: You do not make a comparison/judgment on the quality of pop music.
