Task words - Tips to help you answer questions in HHD SACs and Exams

Define

Accurately state or explain the meaning of the term - show you understand the term (do not use the term in your definition)

Contrast

Explain points of difference. It is not enough just to list the differences, you need to explain how they are different - you need to be talking about the two things together (use the word whereas for each point)

Justify

Explain why the option you chose is the best option - make sure you are applying to the case study or stimulus materials for your response (only say why, not why not)

Relationships

Not an action word but often contained in questions; it means you need to show the link between the concepts in question - use the word therefore to show how one effects the other

Outline

Provide a brief description of the term or topic - show an understanding of what the term is (good to use examples)

Describe

Provide a detailed account of something - requires sentence responses, need to show in depth understanding of the concepts/terms

Recommend

To make a suggestion of one option appropriate to the issue covered in the stimulus material - make sure you are applying to the case study or stimulus materials for your response

Explain

To make the meaning of something clear and understandable - on its own means the same as describe (WHY means you need to use the word because)

Distinguish

To recognise or show points of difference: note the distinctive characteristics - explain the difference between two things (use whereas or however)

Apply

Use theory to healp in a practical example: show or make links, relationships or connections (normally part of a larger question requiring you to link your theoretical knowledge to a case study) - link the concept or key terms to the case study or stimulus material

Evaluate

Apply weighted criteria to the relative strengths and weaknesses of the arguments raised in the stimulus material, and provide your opinion - need to show points for both sides (use the terms positive/strengths and weakness/negatives at the start of each point; make a judgement on whether the positives outweigh the negatives and explain why; use the word therefore to link to your opinion)

Analyse

Break into parts and examine.Requires you to refer to data/stimulus material and explain by going into detail - similar to explaining why, you need to show how one things impact or effect leads to another (use the word because) OR if accompanied by data you need to explain what is happening using an example from the data

Compare

Bring together for noting the points of likeness and difference - you need to be talking about the two things together (use the word both for similarities and whereas for differences; do not describe the two things separately)

List

Enter into a list with others - dot points

Label

To describe or designate - just the key term

Identify

To determine or establish as being a particular thing, that is, determine the key characteristics or features - just the key terms

Discuss

To go into detail about the characteristics of a key concept - show your deeper understanding of the key terms (what do they means and what are their main characteristics; use examples to support your answer)