Vocabulary/ Terminology used in Exam Questions

"Dreams come a size too big so that we can grow into them." ~ Josie Bisset

It is important to look for the question words (the words that tell you what to do) to correctly understand what the examiner is asking. Use the words in the following table as a guide when answering questions.

Question word	What is required of you
Account for	Explain the process or reason why something is the way it is
Analyse	Pay attention to details Pretend you are a detective and break the material into parts Explain how each part fits into the whole Write the obvious as well as the hidden characteristics or meanings
Argue	Give your personal point of view – facts, beliefs, opinions
Calculate	Use figures to work out your answer
Classify	Divide into groups or types so that things that are similar, are in the same group
Comment	Discuss, criticise or explain
Compare	Point out or show both similarities or differences Give common characteristics/attributes – how are people, events, concepts or objects alike/ similar
Conjecture	Guess, estimate, infer
Contrast	Give characteristics or attributes about how people, events, concepts or objects are different
Deduce	Draw conclusions
Define	Give meanings in your own words
Demonstrate	Write how to do something step-by-step
Describe	Explain so the reader can visualise/understand the object, concept or events Use adjectives to show size, shape, characteristics, colour and use
Discuss	Write/talk as if you were sharing your knowledge with someone else Use details and examples to explain the topic
Effect	As in what effect? It is the consequence/result of an action
Evaluate	In an evaluation question you are expected to present a careful appraisal of the problem stressing both advantages and limitations Express an opinion based on your findings
Explain	Make it clear and simple to show your interpretation and understanding Give simple descriptions based on what you know Describe, giving reasons
Extract	Choose relevant details
Factors	Give reasons, features, causes, influences
Forecast	Say what you think will happen in the future
Give a reason	Give examples to explain why something is the way it is
Give/ provide	Write down only facts
Hypothesis	An opinion/theory/assumption to be proved
Indicate	Point out, make something known
Identify	Name the essential characteristics
Infer	Read between the lines – the answer is not in the passage You make meaning from information or clues the author provides
Interpret	Give your opinion of the information based on your experiences and information you find in the text
Justify	Give evidence to support your point of view
List	Write a list of items
Mention	Refer to relevant points
Motivate	Give reasons and explain your answer
Name	State something – give, identify or mention
Outline	Organise important data/information in a logical way Use numbers or letters to organise the information sequentially
Plot	Organise your thoughts and write on a piece of paper Use a grid, graphic design, picture, chart, or matrix
Predict	Make a suggestion based on the information available of what the outcome would be
Prove	Give evidence, facts which explains why an argument is true
Sketch	Draw a rough outline, plan or picture to explain or show something
State	Explain important information clearly Give reasons and examples if necessary
Suggest	Offer an explanation or solution
Summarize	Give the meaning in as few words as possible Retell the most important facts and essential details in as few words as you can
Support your answer	Give examples, reasons or an explanation
Trace	Put events, experiences or thoughts in order or on a timeline

Source: Department of Basic Education

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