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As any student knows only too well, exam style questions can often appear to be written in some bygone language with a whole range of different terms and instructions on each page. In order to be as prepared as possible it is worth taking time to familiarise oneself with some of the common types of instructions likely to appear in any exam. Exam Questions Include Analyse, Assess and Criticise One of the most common instructions in essay style questions involves being asked to analyse some form of concept or statement. In order to analyse, one needs to be both methodical and logical in terms of approach. The word analyse basically requires the exam candidates to take apart an idea, split it into key sections and explore these areas in detail. Another common instruction includes being required to assess a subject or theme. Assessing involves identifying strengths and limitations as well as how important a topic is in terms of success or contribution. The instruction to criticise will simply include analysing a specific issue or idea and then listing key advantages, disadvantages or positive and negative aspects. This may be achieved by brainstorming under two heading what the strengths and weaknesses are in relation to the issue. It is important to be balanced in order to be effective as criticism does not only involve the limitations but also any positives. Learning How to Compare, Contrast and Define Comparing is a very simple means to work out what the various similarities and differences are between two or more items. Again, comparing requires a balanced answer with both strengths as well as limitations highlighted. Similar to comparing is contrasting, except in contrasting one is usually required to focus on differences between issues or subject areas rather than any similarities. Defining is easy to remember as this involves either giving a dictionary-style answer to the question or using technical definitions to explain key jargon or phrases. Defining is an important skill in both short-answer exam questions and essay style questions as it helps to provide clear knowledge on a subject and shows that a topic or phrase has been fully understood. Breaking down words in an essay title by defining them is also helpful in terms of providing a very sound and precise introduction. Exams Require Candidates to Describe, Discuss and Evaluate Perhaps the most commonly used instruction in exams is the word describe, which simply means to provide the examiner with detail about an issue, theme, person or theory. Discussions are also often utilised in exams in order to get the candidate to explain key issues, pros and cons, examples and evaluation of any findings, research or results. Central to discussion style questions is the ability to look at a theme or area from multiple perspectives and bring every aspect together in an orderly, clearly understandable fashion. Evaluating is another term used which is very similar to carrying out a discussion. The major difference between discussion and evaluation is that evaluation focuses more on results and using such results ti make a solid and well-structured form of conclusion based on all the facts. As highlighted above, exam questions typically involve being able to understand various instruction words or phrases in order to achieve good marks. During revision practice it is useful to include such instruction in practicing answers so as to get used to the style of writing likely to be included within the exam.
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