Descriptive writing gives a narrative of events or portrays concepts with sensory detail. Descriptive assignments use words like "explain" or "list," requiring students to contrast ideas, explain a process or summarize a story. Sample descriptive prompts include, "What are the steps in the writing process?" and "Discuss the components of the computer."
An analysis takes the descriptive information one step further, arguing some interpretation of the material or event. Analytical assignments require students to "evaluate" or make a judgement about what is "best" about a concept. Such prompts may ask, "What is the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation?" or "Argue which of da Vinci's ideas was most important and why." In academics, higher level course work typically requires more analysis and less description.