DRQ Answering Techniques Flashcards
Compare
Describe the similarities and differences between at least two phenomena.
Contrast
Describe the differences between at least two phenomena.
Describe
Give an account in words of a phenomenon which may be an entity, an event, a feature, a pattern, a distribution or a process.
Discuss
Set out both sides of an argument and come to a conclusion. There should be some evidence of balance, though not necessarily equal weighting.
Examine
Consider carefully and provide a detailed account of the indicated topic.
Explain why/Suggest reasons for/Account for
Set out the causes of a phenomenon and/or factors which influence its form/nature. This usually requires an understanding of processes. Explanation is higher-level than description and is often reflected in its greater weightage.
Evaluate
Consider several options or arguments and come to a conclusion about their importance/success/worth.
Justify
Give reasons for the validity of a view or idea or why some action should be undertaken. This might involve reasonably discussing or discounting alternative views or actions. At H2 level each of the views presented or options available will have positives and negatives. For the outcome chosen, the positives should outweigh the negatives. Candidates should be able to explain all of this review process.
Outline
Provide a brief account of relevant information.
Appropriate
Whether or not actions or solutions are fit for purpose and realistic.
Benefits
The (environmental, social, economic etc.) advantages of something.
Causes
The reasons for the form/character of a phenomenon.
Characteristics
The key features of a phenomenon.
Consequences
The results of an action, change or process; positive or negative.
Costs
The (environmental, social, economic etc.) disadvantages of an action, change or process.
Distribution
The geographical locations of specified phenomenon/phenomena. May or not be a pattern.
Effects
The results/outcomes of an event, action or process.
Factors
The underlying causes of a phenomenon or problem or issue and the elements which influence it.
Impacts
The results/outcomes of events, actions or processes on people and the environment, positive or negative.
Implications
What happens or might happen as a result/consequences of events, actions or processes.
Patterns
Regularities in the occurrence or distribution of phenomena, geographically most often shown on a map.
Strategies
Overarching view and approach which indicates methods used to manage a problem or issue.
Trends
The general direction of a change - increasing, decreasing, fluctuating.
Variations
How far a phenomenon differs from the norm or the average.
