Question Meanings
Junior History
Skills
Year 10
Year 9
Year 8
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INSTRUCTIONS
Most research statements or questions will contain a key word telling you what to do about the theme. Here are explanantions for some of the instructions words you may come across.
ANALYSE Separate or break up a whole in order to examine the inter-relationship of ideas and themes
COMMENT Make critical comments - positive and negative
COMPARE Say what is alike, similar and what is different between two or more ideas, events, interpretations. Concentrate on what is alike.
CONTRAST. As above, but concentrate on what is different.
CRITICISE Consider the facts, discuss the strengths and the weaknesses then give your own judgement.
DEFINE Provide brief, clear meanings
DIAGRAM Present a drawing, plan, graph or a table in your answer. You are expected to label the diagram and to give a title (a brief explanation or description)
DISCUSS Present a point of view. This will need description and interpretation (saying why, how). You will need to support your opinion by carefully chosen evidence and or facts.
EVALUATE Present a judgement which is based on strengths and advantages and weaknesses and limitations. Say how important this is.
EXPLAIN Present the facts, focussing on the why and the how. Clearly tell the reasons, causes and effects. This instruction is asking you to show that you understand the issue and can think critically.
IDENTIFY Select the most important events, issues, ideas, features or characteristics.
ILLUSTRATE Explain - either in writing - or by presenting a picture or a diagram
INTERPRET Give your own considered judgement of the situation
LIST Present a set of items in a series or a table. This expects you to be concise.
OUTLINE A description which gives main points or essential details only. It omits minor details. Aim to present information in an organised way
RELATE Show relationships, connections, links or connections between things, ideas, events etc.
STATE Tell the main points briefly and clearly. Avoid detailed descriptions
SUMMARISE Provide the main points. Avoid detailed description
TRACE Describe the development or history of an event, idea, or a thing. Ensure your ideas are organised in order.
