Library Word of the Week ... The Words of the MCAS

MCAS season is upon us. In order to help everyone prepare, here is a list of commonly used MCAS terms:

• Argue Prove your points by using facts 
• Analyze Separate into parts and explain 
• Cause & Effect Tell what happened and why it happened 
• Compare Find how two or more things are alike 
• Contrast Find how two or more things are different 
• Criticize Tell about the value of something 
• Define Give a clear meaning 
• Describe/Discuss Look at the good and bad points and give a detailed answer 
• Diagram Make a drawing or chart and label all of the parts 
• Evaluate Give the strengths and weaknesses but include more of your own opinion 
• Explain/Interpret Tell how and why about a subject 
• Identify Pinpoint and explain Illustrate Give examples OR use a drawing or chart (this depends on the subject) 
• Justify Prove your answer List Put the answer down point by point 
• Prove Show evidence or proof about something 
• Relate Compare showing similar points 
• Review Critically examine and comment on major points 
• State/Summarize Tell the main points 
• Trace Follow an event from beginning to end emphasizing the main points 

More MCAS help information can be found here: Survivor Handbook