How To Tackle Exam Questions

 Define: This mainly tests your memory. Here you need to give the specific meaning of words,
terms, etc.; it may be the definition from a textbook or you could use your own words.

 Describe: You just need to tell what it is - imagine and give information that paints a complete
picture. Think of it as the next step on from ‘list’ or ‘state’.

 Briefly Describe: In a descriptive answer you should recount, characterize, sketch or relate in
narrative form.

 Explain: Not a difficult one but students sometimes give a description instead of explain. When
you’re asked to explain something, use a paragraph: write a sentence that makes your point,
and then write another to explain why the first sentence is so, or the consequences of the first
sentence. If your point still isn’t clear, write a third sentence that makes it clearer. Use examples
to help your explanations.

 Identify and explain: This requires a selective use of your knowledge; this means that you
apply bits of your knowledge to the context or the situation described in the question.

 Briefly explain: In explanatory answers it is imperative that you clarify and interpret the
material you present. In such an answer it is best to state the "how or why," reconcile any
differences in opinion or experimental results, and, where possible, state causes.

 State: Not difficult - just write what you are asked about in a clear, simple and ‘to the point’
way; no need to explain or clarify, unless you think that what you’ve written isn’t clear.

 State & briefly describe: In questions which direct you to specify, give, state, or present, you
are called upon to express the high points in brief, clear narrative form. Details, and usually
illustrations or examples, may be omitted.

 Determine: Work out and show your workings/calculations

CFE Group of Colleges

 List: Very basic skill – asking you to simply remember items and write them in the form of a list
– no need to go in to detail.

 Discuss: Explain, giving several different views on the issue; explore similarities and differences
and draw conclusions on the possible implications as well as giving your own position on the
issue.

 Recommend: As it says – telling them what to do. This is normally the last requirement in a
question because you first need to identify, explain and evaluate before you can recommend or
suggest a way forward.

 Identify: Pinpoint a fact or a figure or an example or an argument or a theoretical position.

 Analyse and advise: This word requires you to break the essay topic down into its fundamental
parts. Once you have done this, it’s also important that you critically (more on this word later)
examine each part. You need to use important debates and evidence to look in depth at the
arguments for and against, as well as how the parts interconnect. What does the evidence
suggest? Use it to adopt a stance in your essay, ensuring you don’t simply give a narration on
the key debates in the literature. Make your position known and tie this to the literature.

 Narrate: To describe events as they happen.

 Respond: To communicate in writing your personal viewpoint and personal learning as they
relate specifically to the book, essay, paper, article, etc.

 Critically review: Just remember that you have to write both pros and cons and give a fair,
unbiased or value loaded judgement.

 Comment: Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, reinforcing your point of
view using logic and reference to relevant evidence, including any wider reading you have done.
Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic.

 Enumerate: Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, reinforcing your point
of view using logic and reference to relevant evidence, including any wider reading you have
done.

 Examine: Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a
topic.

CFE Group of Colleges