TERMS USED IN QUESTION PAPERS

Most questions begin with one of the following words / terms / action verbs.   It is useful to know what these words mean.

Objective - I

1. Define         means "give the exact meaning of’. Give the precise meaning of a word or phrase as concisely as possible.

2. Draw           represent by means of pencil lines (add labels unless told not to do so)

3. List              give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no elaboration, each one clearly separated from the others

4. Measure     find a value for a quantity

5. State            it means “give a concise factual answer”. Give a specific name, value or other brief answer (no supporting argument or calculation is necessary)

Objective - II

6. Annotate    add brief notes to a diagram, drawing or graph

7. Apply          use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation

8. Calculate    used when a numerical answer is required. Find an answer using mathematical methods (Working must be shown unless instructed not to do so) = Find

9. Compare     give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout (comparisons can be given using a table)

10. Describe   means to write down fully what you would do or observe. Give a detailed account, including all the relevant information = Illustrate, Express

11. Distinguish - give the differences between two or more different items = Differentiate (differences can be given using a table)

12. Estimate   used when a numerical answer is required. Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity, based on the information provided and scientific knowledge

13. Identify     find an answer from a number of possibilities

14. Outline      means keep your answer brief. Give a brief account or summary (include essential information only) = Sketch, Summarise

Objective - III

15. Analyse    interpret data to reach conclusions

16. Construct  represent or develop in graphical form

17. Deduce     reach a conclusion from the information given

18. Derive      manipulate a mathematical equation to give a new equation or result

19. Design      produce a plan, object, simulation or model

20. Determine - means that you must use the information given to write out the answer. Find the only possible answer = Find out, Find

21. Discuss      give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments, assessments of the relative importance of various factors or comparisons of alternative hypotheses

22. Evaluate   assess the implications and limitations

23. Explain      means you must give some reasons. Give a clear account including causes, reasons or mechanisms = Elucidate, Give Details

24. Predict       means that you have to make a logical deduction either from your own knowledge or from information in the question or from both. Give an expected result

25. Solve         obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods

26. Suggest     means that there is no unique answer but you are to give your own idea of the best answer. Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer = Propose

27. Write down is meant literally. You just write down the answer.

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“Find” is often used in place of “Calculate” or “Determine”.