Flashcards
Key Words in Exams
Cards in this deck (14)
- 1Key Words in ExamsDefinitions
- 2account for / explain / interpretLook at the story/poem and say why it is written as it is. Decode, account for, clarify and give reasons. Unravel, shed light on, figure out.
- 3analyseBreak it down into its component parts. Say why each part is significant/essential.
- 4compareLook for the similarities and differences between two things (stories/poems). Reach conclusions about which is preferable.
- 5contrastSet two things in opposition in order to highlight the differences between them. (e.g. A is like that, whereas B is like that.)
- 6criticiseMake judgements backed up by evidence.
- 7defineState the exact meaning of a word or phrase. In some cases it may be necessary to examine different possible meanings.
- 8describe / illustrateGive a detailed/full account of what it is like. Make it plain. Back up with carefully chosen examples.
- 9discussExplain, then give two or more sides of the issue. What do the different ideas mean?
- 10evaluate / assessReview (go through and weigh up) the worth/validity/effectiveness of something in light of its truth or usefulness.
- 11how far..?Determine to what extent/amount. Usually this requires looking at the evidence/arguments for/against and weighing them up.
- 12justifyGive a reason why something was done in a particular way. Show plenty of reasons why certain decisions or conclusions are arrived at. Answer the main objection/doubts likely to be made about them.
- 13outline / summariseGive a clear, 'to the point' explanation of (including only main facts/issues and omiting minor details and examples.
- 14statePresent in a brief, clear form.