Revision Guidance - Part 1
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Revision Lists
How to analyse an exam questions
Identifying exactly what to do for an exam question, assignment/essay question This is particular relevant for exam use when you may be feeling pressurised by time and need to be certain that you focus upon what ever you have been asked to do.
Box the activity words (doing words e.g. discuss, identify) Underline the content words (subject words e.g. pulse rate)
After this you know what you have to do for the question by looking at the activity words (which are boxed) and the subject words underlined.
Describe and Analyse
Analyse |
separate and examine the parts of the subject |
Describe |
state the characteristics of ......... |
Indicate/show/Identify |
point out, make known or understood. |
List/enumerate |
present a sequence of elements of a subject |
Outline/Summarise |
give the theme and main points of the subject in concise form |
Survey/outline |
give a general account of ........... |
Trace |
show the development from beginning to end |
Make a judgement
Evaluate/criticise |
judge whether successful or unsuccessful and explain why |
Interpret |
explain in your own words |
Justify |
give reasons to support an argument or action |
Explain or prove
Discuss |
give an account of various views on a topic |
Define |
give the meaning of, state exactly what is meant by ........ |
Explain/account for ....... |
make known in detail, make understood, give reasons for |
Illustrate |
give examples to make the point clear |
Compare
Compare |
look for similarities and differences (may only ask to do one in question?) |
Relate |
establish the connection between ............ |
