ACTION VERBS

These action verbs indicate the depth of treatment required for a given assessment statement. These verbs will be used in examination questions and so it is important that students are familiar with the following definitions.

Objective 1

Define	give the precise meaning of a word or phrase as concisely as possible
Draw	represent by means of pencil lines (add labels unless told not to do so)
List	give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no elaboration, each one clearly separated from the others
Measure	find a value for a quantity
State	give a specific name, value or other brief answer (no supporting argument or calculation is necessary)

Objective 2

Annotate	add brief notes to a diagram, drawing or graph
Apply	use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation
Calculate	find an answer using mathematical methods (show the working unless instructed not to do so)
Compare	give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout (comparisons can be given using a table)
Describe	give a detailed account, including all the relevant information
Distinguish	give the differences between two or more different items
Estimate	find an approximate value for an unknown quantity, based on the information provided and scientific knowledge
Identify	find an answer from a number of possibilities
Outline	give a brief account or summary (include essential information only)

Objective 3

Analyse	interpret data to reach conclusions
Construct	represent or develop in graphical form
Deduce	reach a conclusion from the information given
Derive	manipulate a mathematical equation to give a new equation or result
Design	produce a plan, object, simulation or model
Determine	find the only possible answer
Discuss	give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments, assessments of the relative importance of various factors or comparisons of alternative hypotheses
Evaluate	assess the implications and limitations
Explain	give a clear account including causes, reasons or mechanisms
Predict	give an expected result
Solve	obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods
Suggest	propose a hypothesis or other possible answer