gcse revision guide

          
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Key Exam Words Explained

It is important to understand the key words used by examiners. Listed below are a number of key words and phrases which are often used on exam papers.

Account for Explain the causes of.

Analyse Divide into parts and describe each part.

Comment on Explain why something is important.

Compare Are the things very alike (similar) or are there important differences? Which do you think is best? Why?

Concise Short and brief.

Contrast Look for differences.

Criticise Use evidence to support your opinion on the value or merit of theories, facts or views of others.

Define Give the meaning of.

Describe Write in details.

Differentiate Explain the difference.

Discuss Write about the important aspects of the topic; are there two sides to the question? Consider the arguments for and against. Then give your opinion.

Distinguish Explain the difference.

Evaluate Judge the importance or success.

Explain Make clear.

Factors The facts or circumstances that contribute to a result

Give an account of Describe.

Illustrate Give examples or diagrams which make the point clear and prove your answer is correct.

Indicate Show and demonstrate

In relation to Refer to a specific aspect of something.

Interpret Explain the meaning in your own words; for example you may be asked to interpret a graph.

In the context of In a particular setting; referring to.

Justify Give reasons to support an argument or action.

Outline Choose the most important aspects of a topic. Ignore the minor detail.

Relate Show the connection between things.

Role A function of something, which part something plays and how it works.

State Write briefly the main points.

Summarise Bring together the main points.

Trace Show how something has developed from beginning to end.