AS/A Level Skills

Question 1

Analyse

Answer 1

Separate information into components and identify their characteristics.

Question 2

Calculate

Answer 2

Work out the value of something.

Question 3

Choose

Answer 3

Select from a range of alternatives.

Question 4

Comment

Answer 4

Present an informed opinion.

Question 5

Compare

Answer 5

Identify similarities/differences.

Question 6

Complete

Answer 6

Finish a task by adding to given information.

Question 7

Consider

Answer 7

Review and respond to given information.

Question 8

Describe

Answer 8

Set out characteristics.

Question 9

Design

Answer 9

Set out how something will be done.

Question 10

Discuss

Answer 10

Present key points.

Question 11

Distinguish

Answer 11

Explain ways in which two things differ. Provide detail of characteristics that enable a person to know the difference between.

Question 12

Draw

Answer 12

Produce a diagram.

Question 13

Evaluate

Answer 13

Judge from available evidence.

Question 14

Explain

Answer 14

Set out purposes or reasons.

Question 15

Give

Answer 15

Produce an answer from recall or from given information.

Question 16

Identify

Answer 16

Name or otherwise characterise.

Question 17

Justify

Answer 17

Provide reasons, reasoned argument to support, possibly provide evidence.

Question 18

Label

Answer 18

Provide appropriate names on a diagram.

Question 19

Name

Answer 19

Identify using a recognised technical term.

Question 20

Outline

Answer 20

Set out main characteristics.

Question 21

Select

Answer 21

Choose or pick out from alternatives.

Question 22

State

Answer 22

Express in clear terms.

Question 23

Suggest

Answer 23

Present a possible case/solution.

Question 24

What is meant by

Answer 24

Give a definition.

Question 25

Which is

Answer 25

Select from alternatives.

Question 26

Write

Answer 26

Provide information in verbatim form.

Question 27

Describing concepts

Answer 27

A good answer needs to be accurate, detailed, and have clarity and coherence. If asked to explain this concept you might include an example.

Question 28

Describing research studies

Answer 28

Always wise to provide details of the procedure and findings. A good answer should be accurate, detailed and have clarity and coherence.

Question 29

Describing theories/explanations

Answer 29

A good answer is one that is accurate, detailed and has clarity and coherence. In addition, for longer answer questions organisation and use of specialist terminology are important.

Question 30

Evaluations

Answer 30

Identify a criticism, make it relevant and then explain it well.

Question 31

Essays on research studies

Answer 31

About half the marks are available for a description of the studies. Cover fewer studies but give lots of detail (as detail is what shows your understanding). The other marks are for evaluation.

Question 32

Essays with application material

Answer 32

These questions include application in addition to describe and evaluate elements of an essay question. Required to make links between the theory and the stem presented.

Question 33

Describing research

Answer 33

If asked to describe research related to….. then you can either describe research studies or theories or concepts.