Which verb is commonly recommended for use in essay questions?

In the context of essay questions, using the verb "summarize" is often recommended because it encourages the writer to distill information and present key ideas concisely. Summarizing requires a student to demonstrate their understanding by identifying the main points of a topic, synthesizing information, and expressing it in their own words. This process not only highlights comprehension but also helps clarify complex concepts for the reader.

In contrast, other verbs serve different purposes. "Define" typically requests a precise explanation of a term or concept, which may lead to a more straightforward and less critical analysis. "Identify" encourages recognition of particular elements without requiring deeper engagement or synthesis of the material. Lastly, "choose" implies making a selection among options, which does not engage the same analytical skills that summarizing demands. Therefore, "summarize" is particularly valuable for developing a coherent and comprehensive essay response.