Return to Exam hints or Back
to BBB Home page
Words such as those in the first column of this table tend to crop up
in examination questions. A rough indication of how to interpret these
is shown in the second column - maybe this could help you to slant your
answer accordingly and gain more marks.
REMEMBER - answer the precise question
asked - don't just be "triggered off" by some terms in the question
and go off on the wrong tack!
| Account for | Explain, clarify, give reasons for. |
| Analyse | Resolve into its component parts; examine critically or minutely. |
| Assess | Determine the value of, weigh up (see also evaluate). |
| Compare | Look for similarities and differences between; perhaps reach conclusion(s) about which is preferable and justify this clearly. |
| Contrast | Set in opposition in order to bring out the differences sharply. |
| Compare and contrast | Find some points of common ground between x and y and show where or how they differ. |
| Criticise | Make a judgement (backed by a discussion of the evidence or reasoning involved) about the merit of theories or opinions or about the truth of facts. |
| Define | State the exact meaning of a word or phrase. In some cases it may be necessary or desirable to examine different possible or often-useddefinitions. |
| Describe | Give a detailed account of... |
| Discuss | Explain, then give different sides of the issue and any implications (possibly equivalent to a combination of "describe", "compare and contrast" and "explain") |
| Distinguish or differentiate between | Look for differences between ... |
| Evaluate | Make an appraisal of the truth/ validity / effectiveness of something in terms of its truth or usefulness. (See also Assess) |
| Examine the argument that... | Look in detail at this line of argument. |
| Explain | Give details about how and/or why it is ... |
| How far... To what extent… | Usually involves looking at evidence / arguments for and against and weighing them up. |
| Illustrate | Make clear and explicit - usually requires the use of carefully chosen examples. |
| Justify | Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions; answer the main objections likely to be made about them. |
| Outline | Give the main features or general principles of a subject omitting minor details and emphasising structure and arrangement, |
| State | Present in a brief, clear form. |
| Summarise | Give a concise, clear explanation or account of..., presenting the chief factors/features and omitting minor details and examples (see also Outline). |
| What arguments can he made for and against this view. | Look at both sides of this argument. |