|
What
do you mean ... ? (Part 1)
Adrian
Whyte and Joanna Johnson, Contributor
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| Students
hard at work at Gospel Chapel
Prep school in Annotto Bay, St.
Mary. - Norman Grindley Photo |
THIS
IS a phrase commonly uttered by students
in response to, at times, straight-forward
questions. This is due mainly to students
not understanding what is being asked
of them in the question. So, let us
look at some commonly-used terms that
can be found in your examination papers.
COMMON
VERBS IN EXAM QUESTIONS
- Describe
- Distinguish
between (Contrast)
-
Compare
- Discuss
The
best way to address this is to use
sample questions of the type students
might encounter:
1)
Describe the process of transpiration.
2)
Discuss the misuse of alcohol in your
country.
3)
Distinguish between the process of
osmosis and diffusion.
4)
Compare growth in plants to movement
in animals.
TIPS
IN ANSWERINGTHESE QUESTIONS
Describe - The same as what
is happening and how is it happening.
Or in the Jamaican lingo, 'Ah how
it go'.
A
question with this verb expects the
candidate to give a detailed, step
by step account of a process. It is
helpful to give this account in the
order in which they occur or in reverse
order. Do not jumble the steps of
a process in your description of it.
Remember
there is no need to give any reason
for the occurrences.
Discuss - Say what you know about
this issue. In the Jamaican lingo,
'Talk to me!'
In
this case you are expected to give
statements about the particular issue
at hand. Make sure to give arguments
both for and against wherever possible.
Make sure that your arguments are
logical, backed up with sound biological
information and written in proper
English.
Distinguish between or to contrast
- Give the differences only.
In
this case you are being asked to identify
properties or characteristics of each
property that are unique to each.
Compare - Give both similarities
and differences.
The
candidate does not need to give equal
number of similarities and differences
in each case. However, it is essential
that at least one of each is given
in the answer.
*
Adrian Whyte and Joanna Johnson
teach Biology at Ardenne High School
masterbio@gmail.com.
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