Exams are a big part of the assessment procedure at school. It is one method used to determine the extent to which material has been learnt by the student and to provide certification. Exams are not meant to be a source of hardship; they are simply tools of assessing competence.

One of the downfalls of exams is that sometimes knowledgeable and competent students may not appear to be such. There could be more than one reasons for this. In my experience, it is usually because they failed to interpret questions correctly. These students end up scoring less than they should. Decoding the exam questions therefore becomes critical in proving proficiency in the subject.

An essay or short answer exam paper is usually structured using certain key words which act as clues as to how you should approach the answer. These key words are also called command words. It is essential to understand these words so that your answer fits the question.

Commonly used command words and their meanings

Account for: Provide reasons for something and elucidate.

Analyse: Break down the topic into smaller pieces and give your view of the importance of the idea or process presented.

Annotate: Add a short explanation to a text or drawing.

Comment: Provide your informed opinion on the matter. You must show the examiner that you understand the topic. You may need to define, explain and evaluate.

Compare: Usually two things are mentioned. You need to identify similarities and differences.

Contrast: You are being asked to identify differences ONLY.

Deduce: Form conclusions from information provided.

Define: Provide a formal meaning of a term.

Describe: Give a detailed account of what is referred to in the question (processes, properties, events, etc). If diagrams are of assistance, then these should be included.

Differentiate: Identify and state the differences between one thing and another.

Discuss: Point out the advantages and disadvantages of something and provide an opinion.

Distinguish: Point out the difference between two things.

Evaluate: Similar to ‘discuss’, but emphasis should be on contemplating strengths and weaknesses and making a judgement in your conclusion.

Explain: Clearly set out reasons by giving a detailed account of how or why something happens.

Identify: Recognise and name the required features.

Illustrate: Explain using a drawing or a figure such as a graph to clarify something.

Interpret: Use your own words to give meaning to a topic.

Justify: This is asking you to say why you believe something is so. Make a case by providing evidence and reasons for your position.

List: Does not require explanation. Single words or phrases are sufficient. Your answer could possibly require a table.

Outline: Provide main points and leave out minor details.

State: Recall simple information without giving reasons.

Suggest: Apply your knowledge to a given situation.

Summarise: Provide a short, condensed account of the main ideas.

Trace: Give a brief description of the logical or chronological order of something. Typically seen in historical questions.

Make a Plan

• Before you begin writing your answer, take a few minutes to think and plan.

• Read your question more than once.

• Underline the key words in your question. Sometimes two key words may be used. Take careful note of this.

• Pay special attention to the number of points requested. For example, if a question asks you to list three factors, ensure that you mention three different factors.

• Ask yourself what is relevant to your question.

• Identify a few points to be used in your answer.

• Organise your thoughts. A well-organised answer will be better received than a disorganised one containing the same points.

• Make sure the names of people or processes are spelled correctly.

• Write in a straightforward manner. Show the examiner that you know the material.

• Write legibly. The examiner must be able to read what you have written.

• Do not try to trick the examiner by writing the same point in different ways. The examiner is looking out for this and will not be misled.

• Do not overwrite. Use the mark scheme to guide you in determining the length of your answer.

• If writing an essay, make sure that you have an introduction and a conclusion.

Students, if you have properly prepared for your exam, there is no reason to obtain a failing grade. I encourage you to scrutinise those command words listed above and ensure that you comprehend the questions before writing your answer. You can do it!

Dr Karla Hylton is a graduate of the biotechnology programme at the University of the West Indies. She operates Bio and Chem Tutoring, a Kingston-based teaching programme that specialises in CSEC biology and chemistry. Reach her at 404.4506, biochemtutor100@gmail.com, or at www.khylton.com