Genres in Literature and Language: Theory, Style and Poetics
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Course
ENG2602
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University Of South Africa (Unisa)
The function of instruction words is to instruct or command what one needs to do in an essay. In contrast, content words are used to phrase the assignment question, hence, they are often in phrases or clauses.
thesis statement and topic and concluding sentences
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University of South Africa (Unisa)
ENG2602
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, Section A. Unpacking the Essay Question
Literally, the word unpack, means remove something from its packing. With respect to
the current essay, unpacking refers to removing layers of the essay question with a
view to understanding what the question requires of you as a student. For you to be
able to unpack any given essay, you need to look at its instructions. Essay instructions
consist of instruction words and content words.
Examples of instruction words are: write; specify; identify; demonstrate; discuss;
analyse; evaluate; summarise; etc. As their name indicates, the function of instruction
words is to instruct or command one as to what one needs to do in an essay. In
contrast, content words are used to phrase (frame) the assignment question, hence,
they are often in the form of phrases or clauses. An example of a content phrase is: “In
a carefully worded essay”. On the other hand, an example of a content clause is:
“Before attempting to engage with the assignment question, remember to …”. In the
main, both instruction words and content words work together to establish a context
for the assignment and to frame the assignment question.
On the basis of what has been said above, identify the instruction words used in
Sections B, C and D below, and discuss the function they serve in each case. Your
response must be exactly 250 words.
The function of instruction words is to instruct or command one as to what one needs to do in
an essay. In contrast, content words are used to prase the assignement question, hence,
they are often in the form of phrases or clauses.
The instruction word used in section B, is to “specify” and “explain”. The question requires a
student to the purpose of each of these three elements of the text, and briefly explain how
each of them achieves its purpose. The word specify means to identify clearly and or state a
fact or requirement clearly and precisely.
The instruction word in section C, is to justify and provide a motivation. The question requires
a student to show or prove to be right or reasonable and then by using motivation to provide
(someone) with a reason for doing something or request (something) and present facts and
arguments in support of one's request.
The instruction word in section D, is to identify and to critically analyze. The question requires
a student to establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is or to associate
someone or something closely with; regard as having strong links with. Once you have done
this, you need to critically analyze, which means to (i) break something down into its
component parts; (ii) provide your opinion on each part by asking the right type of analytical
questions; and (iii) support your opinions with evidence.
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