Exam Flashcards
Typical Exam Questions & Phrases Explained
Analyse
Compare
Contrast
Criticise
Define
Describe
Discuss
Evaluate
Illustrate
Justify
List
Outline
Review
Summarise
Critically assess/critically evaluate
“A statement made in quotation marks”. Discuss.
Analyse - To explain the main ideas, how they are related and why they are important.
Compare - To show both the differences and the similarities.
Contrast - To compare by showing the differences.
Criticise - To give your judgement or reasoned opinion of an idea or theory, based on evidence or the criticisms made by others, to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses. However, do not attack or be unduly
negative – show how the criticism helps to understand something better.
Define - To give the formal meaning by distinguishing it from related terms. This is often a matter of giving a memorised definition.
Describe - To write a detailed account of an idea or theory in a logical sequence
Discuss - To present arguments for and against a point of view and reach a conclusion. The arguments must be supported with appropriate evidence.
Evaluate - To give an opinion, supported by some expert opinions, of the strengths or importance of a concept. Show the advantages and disadvantages.
Illustrate - To explain or make clear by concrete examples, comparisons or analogies.
Justify - Give reasons for why you make a particular argument or conclusion, using appropriate evidence or examples
List - To produce a list of words, sentences or comments. Same as enumerate
Outline - To give a general summary. It should contain a series of main ideas and how they relate together, supported by evidence.
Review - To give a survey or summary in which you look at the important parts and criticise if necessary.
Summarise - To give a brief, condensed account of the main ideas.
Critically assess/critically evaluate - To weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of an argument or theory,
particularly emphasising the criticisms that have been made of it, emphasising what those criticisms helps us to see or do better
“A statement made in quotation marks”. Discuss. - To present arguments for and against the statement made in quotes, supported by evidence and relevant examples. The statement in quotes is often an example of a ‘polemic’ or extreme point of view, leading your discussion to evaluate the extent to which you agree (or
disagree) with the statement, or where you position yourself in a debate.
