Exam Skills

Task 2

Below is a short list of some of the more common instructions used in exam questions, with a short definition for each one. Look through the list and the definitions:

Account for

Explain, clarify and give reasons why and/or how a particular event or situation came about.

Analyse

Break an issue, argument, point of view or theory down into its component parts, discuss them and show how they are related. You should acknowledge the underlying assumptions.

This instruction is often found with the adverb ‘critically’. In this case you should do the above plus present your view on the issue or argument, point of view or theory, indicating any failings/weaknesses and any favourable aspects, based on the evidence available, indicating the criteria on which you base your judgment and citing specific instances of how the criteria might apply in this case.

Compare and contrast

Identify the characteristics or qualities that two or more things have in common and point out the differences between them.

To what extent .../How far?

The implication is that there is probably no definitive answer to the question posed; so you need to present both sides of the argument and exercise judgment and show your opinion by stressing the strength of some arguments over others.

Describe

Spell out the main aspects of an idea or topic or the sequence in which a series of things happened. Usually more than just a description is required; a critical review of the aspects may be needed.

Evaluate

Make an appraisal of the worth or validity of a particular argument or statement by presenting evidence and reasoned argument of all relevant issues involved, citing the judgments of any known authorities as well as your own where necessary.

Discuss

Explain a situation, concept or idea in some detail with supporting information, examples, points for and against, and explanations for the facts put forward. As this is a very common instruction and can be difficult to deal...