Have you ever made the fatal mistake of overlooking the instructions on a test and cruising through the exam thinking you aced it only to find you blew it big time because you didn’t answer the questions properly? So – before you begin your test that you are so anxious to take – make sure you read the instructions word for word because it only takes one word to trip you up. See our post on Common Mistakes on a Test.
Here are some common types of words used in instructions that tell you what you should do for that particular section of the test:
– Analyze – This type of question usually means it is an essay so you should explain it thoroughly.
– Comment – This usually means that you should provide your explanation of the relevance of the statement that has been made.
– Compare – Simply explain the similarities and differences between two items.
– Contrast – Explain the differences only between two items.
– Define – This is usually a short essay or definition of a particular item.
– Demonstrate – This requires proof so you need to provide an example to answer the question.
– Diagram – Drawing a picture or chart to answer the question.
– Discuss – Frame the answer like a conversation providing pros and cons of the two issues.
– Enumerate – This is a list that is normally in a particular order like 1,2,3.
– Examine – This is your opinion on a particular subject which requires your reasoning as to why you reached your opinion.
– Explain – This needs your overview of an issue and your reasoning for your conclusion.
– Illustrate – This requires an example.
– Interpret – This requires your reasoning for your conclusion.
– Justify – This also requires your reasoning and examples to support your conclusion.
– List – This is a series of answers of a particular subject.
– Outline – This requires an explanation that usually has headings and subheadings.
– Order – This is usually a chronological listing such as dates.
– Prove – This requires your reasoning for your solution.
– Review – This is usually a recollection of important parts of a subject.
– Trace – This is to recollect something step by step – as an event.
Here is a great exercise – Can you Follow Instructions on a Test?
See our Post on In the Test Room Part 1, and Part 2