Examination Terms

TERMS AND PHRASES USED IN EXAM QUESTIONS

Here are a list of terms taken from a well known book to help you to ascertain what  you are being asked to do in the exam question. Get into memorising them, talk to a friend about them, but most of ALL.... PRACTICE MOCK EXAMS DAILY....SO THAT YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THEM!!!

Advise: recommend a course of action

Analyse: to examine in detail and to discover essential features. Identify the main components, show how they are related and explain their importance.

Appraise: to assess the worth, value or quality of a point.

Argue: to present supporting or opposing reasons. A series of reasons that support or oppose a statement.

Assess: to judge worth or importance including advantages/disadvantages.

Calculate: to determine by judgement and reasoning.

Compare: examine qualities or characteristics to discover any resemblances. You are to emphasize similarities, although differences may be mentioned.

Contrast: stress differences of things, qualities, events or problems.

Critical: making sever or negative judgements, containing careful or analytical evaluations.

Criticise: express your judgement. Discuss the limitations, good points or contributions to a plan/project.

Define: definitions call for concise, clear, authoritative meanings. Details are not required but limitations of the definition should be briefly cited. Highlight what differentiates the particular object for all others in the class.

Demonstrate: to show, manifest or prove with reasoned arguments.

Describe: give a detailed account or show knowledge of the topic. You should recount, characterise or relate your answer.

Detail: identify an item or smaller parts that are considered separately.

Develop: to elaborate or work out in detail.

Discuss: examine, analyze pros/cons of the topic.

Evaluate: present a careful appraisal, stressing the pros/cons.

Examine: to look at, inspect or scrutinize carefully.

Explain: clarify and interpret the material you present. State how and why.

Identify: select certain specified important points.

Illustrate: to explain or clarify by use of examples.

Interpret: to clarify or explain the meaning of something.

Justify: you must prove or show grounds for a decision.

List: present in an itemized series, should be short and concise answers.

Outline: an organized description. The important features of an argument.

Prove: an answer that demands confirmation or verification by evaluating and citing experimental evidence or logical reasoning.

Recommend: to advise the best course/choice.

Relate: to establish associations and/or connections.

Review: analyze and comment on the major points.

State: express the main points in clear statements.

Summarise: give the main points in a condensed format.

(TAKEN FROM STUDY SKILLS FOR DUMMIES)