How do I answer an 'assess' question?

Bloom's taxonomy is of vital importance here.  The idea of
"Assessing" questions rank fairly high on Bloom's taxonomy of learning.  It involves
taking multiple elements as you answer the question.  For example, when you have to
assess something, it requires you to pull from different sides of a topic.  In my mind,
the "assess" question will force you to pull from different elements on a given topic. 
You might have to debate both sides of an issue and end up "assessing" which side has
more validity or veracity in your own mind.  When you "assess" something, it requires
examining as many aspects as possible of the topic area.  An "assess" question is in the
"synthesis" or "evaluation" portion of Bloom's taxonomy.  This means that multiple
skills are needed in completing a task of this nature.  For an "assess" question, you
will need to demonstrate a strong grasp of the particular topic with specific facts and
individual components of understanding, along with a larger sense of being able to bring
purpose and meaning to the topic area, in general.  Both elements of "what is needed to
be known" and "why it is important" will be required in answering this particular
question.