Keywords

Question 1

Analyse

Answer 1

To examine part by part. Look for roots of the problem not just describing the symptoms. Use frameworks and then suggest possible way forward.

Question 2

Comment

Answer 2

Explain your understanding of the topic to which the statement refers. Define any terms contained, explain the significance of the statement and possibly evaluate the extent to which you agree or disagree and give reasons for this.

Question 3

Evaluate /Critically appraise

Answer 3

Discuss strengths and weaknesses of a proposition or theory in terms of its logic and the evidence on which it is based and identify hidden assumptions .

Question 4

Compare/Contrast

Answer 4

Describe the similarities and differences and perhaps comedown in favour of one or the other. Use a table of 3 columns .

Contrast : expect to focus only on differences.

Contrast is a subset of compare. So always contrast when comparing.

Question 5

Criticize

Answer 5

To judge the merit of a statement or theory, making clear the basis of your judgement. This might be in terms of the evidence on which a theory is based, the internal consistency of that theory or the theoretical, logical or facts underpinning of the opinion.

Question 6

Define

Answer 6

To state precisely the meaning of a concept. If there are competing definitions then you need to give both. Use diagrams.

Question 7

Describe

Answer 7

Give a detailed account of the thing referred to, again with a view to establishing you know the stuff and understand its significance.

Question 8

Discuss

Answer 8

Extract different themes in a subject to describe and evaluate them. Key factors/aspects. Arguments in favour and against each aspect. What evidence is there to support and against. Significance of each aspect.

Question 9

Evaluate

Answer 9

To say what something is worth. If a theory were to be evaluated you would look at the evidence supporting the theory and the usefulness of that theory to managers.

Question 10

Explain

Answer 10

To make something clear or to give reasons for something depending on the context. Sometimes both. Demonstrate understanding of the concept.

Question 11

Identify

Answer 11

Decide what important factors are there and describe them briefly.

Question 12

Illustrate

Answer 12

Demonstrate understanding .

Question 13

Interpret

Answer 13

Make sense of something, make it clear, usually give judgement of the significance of the thing to be interpreted.