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 Break into separate parts and discuss, examine, or interpret each part Apply To put into action pertinently and/or relevantly Assess To judge the worth, importance, evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance Calculate To ascertain by computation, to make an estimate of; evaluate, to perform a mathematical process Comment To remark or express an opinion Compare Examine two or more things to identify similarities and differences Conclusion The result or outcome of an act or process or event, final arrangement or settlement Criticise Present the weaknesses/problems; evaluate comparative worth. Don’t explain the situation. Instead, analyse it Define Give the meaning; usually a meaning specific to the course or subject Describe Give a detailed account or key features. List characteristics, qualities and parts Discuss Consider and debate/argue about the pros and cons of an issue. Examine in-detail by using arguments in favour or against Evaluate Determine the scenario in the light of the arguments for and against Explain Make an idea clear. Show logically how a concept is developed. Give the reason for an event Illustrate Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples Interpret Comment on, give examples, describe relationships List List several ideas, aspects, events, things, qualities, reasons, etc Outline Describe main ideas, characteristics, or events Recommend Advise the appropriate actions to pursue in terms the recipient will understand Relate Show the connections between ideas or events State Explain precisely Summarise Give a brief, condensed account. Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details
