Felpham Community College 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.