Question Verbs

QUESTION VERBS

ACCA examiners have highlighted the lack of understanding of the requirements of question verbs as the most serious weakness in many candidates’ scripts. Given below are some common question verbs used in exams.

Analyse

· Intellectual level 2, 3

· Actual meaning Break into separate parts and discuss, examine, or interpret each part

· Key tips Give reasons for the current situation or what has happened.

Apply

· Intellectual level 2

· Actual meaning To put into action pertinently and/or relevantly

· Key tips Properly apply the scenario/case.

Assess

· Intellectual level 3

· Actual meaning To judge the worth, importance, evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance

· Key tips Determine the strengths/weaknesses/importance/significance/ability to contribute.

Calculate

· Intellectual level 2, 3

· Actual meaning To ascertain by computation, to make an estimate of; evaluate, to perform a mathematical process

· Key tips Provide description along with numerical calculations.

Comment

· Intellectual level 3

· Actual meaning To remark or express an opinion

· Key tips Your answer should include an explanation, illustration or criticism.

Compare

· Intellectual level 2

· Actual meaning Examine two or more things to identify similarities and differences

· Key tips Clearly explain the resemblances or differences.

Conclusion

· Intellectual level 2 ,3

· Actual meaning The result or outcome of an act or process or event, final arrangement or settlement

· Key tips End your answer well, with a clear decision.

Criticise

· Intellectual level 3

· Actual meaning Present the weaknesses/problems; evaluate comparative worth Don’t explain the situation. Instead, analyse it

· Key tips Criticism often involves analysis.

Define

· Intellectual level 1

· Actual meaning Give the meaning; usually a meaning specific to the course or subject

· Key tips Explain the exact meaning because usually definitions are short.

Describe

· Intellectual level 1, 2

· Actual meaning Give a detailed account or key features. List characteristics, qualities and parts

· Key tips Make a picture with words; identification is not sufficient.

Discuss

· Intellectual level 3

· Actual meaning Consider and debate/argue about the pros and cons of an issue. Examine in-detail by using arguments in favour or against

· Key tips Write about any conflict, compare and contrast.

Evaluate

· Intellectual level 3

· Actual meaning Determine the scenario in the light of the arguments for and against

· Key tips Mention evidence/case/point/issue to support evaluation.

Explain

· Intellectual level 1, 2

· Actual meaning Make an idea clear. Show logically how a concept is developed. Give the reason for an event

· Key tips Don’t just provide a list of points, add in some explanation of the points you’re discussing.

Illustrate

· Intellectual level 2

· Actual meaning Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples

· Key tips Add in some description.

  

Interpret

· Intellectual level 3

· Actual meaning Comment on, give examples, describe relationships

· Key tips Include explanation and evaluation.

List

· Intellectual level 1

· Actual meaning List several ideas, aspects, events, things, qualities, reasons, etc

  Key tips Don’t discuss, just make a list.

Outline

· Intellectual level 2

· Actual meaning Describe main ideas, characteristics, or events

· Key tips Briefly explain the highlighted points.

Recommend

· Intellectual level 3

· Actual meaning Advise the appropriate actions to pursue in terms the recipient will understand

· Key tips Give advice or counsel.

Relate

· Intellectual level 2, 3

· Actual meaning Show the connections between ideas or events

· Key tips Relate to real time examples.

State

· Intellectual level 2

· Actual meaning Explain precisely

· Key tips Focus on the exact point.

Summarise

· Intellectual level 2

· Actual meaning Give a brief, condensed account Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details

· Key tips Remember to conclude your explanation.