Appendix 10 Examination and Essay Questions: Glossary
Research has shown that, in general, there tend to be four main tasks that are required of students when they write essays in examinations. These are to show familiarity with:
1 a concept
2 the relations between/among concepts
3 a process __4 argumentation
i Below are the most frequently used question types together with 'their possible meanings. It is possible to cross-reference some of the words for additional explanations e.g. enumerate has the meaning 'name and list'; list is then explained as 'put in sequence; catalogue; mention.'
question word account for give an account
of. analyse
assess
calculate
characterise
classify
comment on
compare
consider
contrast
criticise
deduce
define
demonstrate
describe
determine
differentiate
between discuss
distinguish between elaborate
elucidate
enumerate
estimate
evaluate
examine
explain
express
meaning
give reasons for; explain describe
divide, describe, discuss,
examine, explain decide the importance and give
reasons estimate; determine; weigh
reasons carefully describe
arrange into groups explain the importance of describe similarities think about carefully describe differences discuss and point out faults conclude; infer
state precisely the meaning of; explain
show clearly by giving proof or
evidence say what something is like find out something; calculate show how something is different
consider something from different points of view, and then give your own opinion
describe the difference between
discuss in detail, with reasons and examples explain and make clear name and list, and explain calculate; judge; predict assess and explain look at carefully; consider make clear; give reasons for show, describe
question word meaning
identify point out and describe
indicate show, explain
infer conclude something from facts
or reasoning illustrate give examples that support
your answer justify give good reasons for;
explain satisfactorily list put in sequence; catalogue;
mention
mention describe briefly
name identify
outline give a short description of
the main points
prove show that something is true or
certain; provide strong evidence (and examples) for
quantifv express or measure the amount
or quantity of relate give an account of
show indicate; give evidence of; make
clear; demonstrate, illustrate speculate form an opinion without having
complete knowledge; suggest suggest mention as a possibility;
state as an idea for
consideration; propose
state express carefully, fully and
clearly
summarise give the main points of
trace outline and describe
verify make sure that something is
accurate or true; check