What is the Difference Between Explain and Discuss

The main difference between explain and discuss is that we explain something by clarifying what, why and how something happened while we discuss something by examining it in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas.

Explain and discuss are two verbs you may come across in essay questions. However, there’s a distinct difference between explain and discuss. It’s important to know the difference between these essay question words in order to write a good essay.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What Does Explain Mean
     – Definition, Features, Examples
2. What Does Discuss Mean
     – Definition, Features, Examples
3. Difference Between Explain and Discuss
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Discuss, Essay Questions, ExplainDifference Between Explain and Discuss - Comparison Summary

What Does Explain Mean

The verb explain means to make a concept or situation clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts. It clarifies what happened, why it happened and how it happened. ‘What’, ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions will help you to structure a clear and coherent answer to essay questions that ask you to explain something.

Difference Between Explain and Discuss

Some examples of such questions are as follows.

Explain why a Cold war developed after 1945.

Explain how smoking adversely affects a person’s life.

Describe a challenge you have faced in your life. Explain how you faced this challenge positively.

When you are responding to this type of question, you also have to provide definitions to your keywords and jargons, as much as possible. You should also back your claims with solid evidence whenever possible. In this type of answer, it’s important to demonstrate that you have a very good understanding of the topic. If you present a clear interpretation of the topic, your answer will reflect your knowledge and understanding of the topic convincingly.

What Does Discuss Mean

The verb discuss means to talk or write about something in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas. The basic meaning of ‘discussion’ is a conversation between two or more parties; therefore, when you are discussing something, you should look at different perspectives. When the term ‘discuss’ occurs in an essay question or a research title, you have to write an in-depth answer, considering different accepts of the topic. Moreover, this type of titles or essays usually has two sides. Therefore, you have to make a case for or against the title. Furthermore, his type of question tests the reasoning skills of the writer.

Main Difference - Explain vs Discuss

Some examples of such essay questions are as follows.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of modern technology.

A person should learn to speak more than one language – Discuss.

Furthermore, in this type of answer, you have to examine the topic in detail and include different perspectives held by various parties. Important to remember is that discussing does not involve only stating facts or describing something. Instead, it is an evaluation, considering different perspectives of the topic.

Difference Between Explain and Discuss

Definition

The word explain means to make a concept or situation clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts while the word discuss means to talk or write about something in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas.

Basis

We explain something by clarifying what, why and how something happened while we discuss something by examining it in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas.

Type of Essay Question Word

Explain questions require descriptive answers while discuss questions require critical answers.

Conclusion

The main difference between explain and discuss is that we explain something by clarifying what, why and how something happened while we discuss something by examining it in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas.

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About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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