Planning longer answers:

Types of Question Great for long answer questions such as “explain” or “discuss”
First work out what you are being asked, which topics to cover and which
•Define: give the definition
keywords you will need.
•List: List the points – don’t describe or explain them. Rewrite the question in you own words

•State: Give a short answer – usually you don't have to give

any supporting reason for your answer.

•Describe: State in words using data given in a question,

graph or diagram.

•Outline: Describe what happens in basic detail Main topic 1 Main topic 2 Main topic 3

•Explain: describe what is happening and give the reasons

why.

•Discuss: Give a detailed explanation of all the points. For

each point give a supporting explanation.

•Suggest: Apply your knowledge to a new situation – check Keywords to include Keywords to include Keywords to include
whether it is asking you to suggest a description or   
explanation.
  
•Calculate: Give a numerical answer
  
•Determine: Numerical answer but may require several
steps   

Second: use the boxes below to plan the order of the points you will make.
Along with each point include the keywords you will use to make that point.
Main topic 1 Main topic 2 Main topic 3
Answer Planning – Secrets of success Linking your answers Structuring your answers

Describe = then / next Describe how =

1. Identify your question type Suggest = because / so / therefore Point, Point, Point, Point, Point.
Describe or Discuss = Because /
2. Pick your keywords therefore Describe why / Explain / Discuss=
3. Pick your plan and structure Point, Explain, Point, Explain, Point, Explain,
4. Fill in the boxes
5. Select the correct word to link your answers Plan B – Great for describe, explain,
discuss and some suggest questions
Plan A – Great for suggest why, describe Point
why or describe how questions

Starting fact
then / next /because / therefore
Explain / Point

So / next / therefore

Linking point 1 then / next / so/ because / therefore

Keywords to Point

So / next / therefore include:

Linking point 2 then / next /because / therefore

Explain / Point

So / next / therefore
then / next / so/ because / therefore
Linking point 3
Point

So / next / therefore
then / next /because / therefore
End fact
Explain / Point