Kim Turse put together a great list of words to use as a guide in understanding the directions to a test.
Good Luck to you!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Borin
Kim Turse
Learning Specialists
Here are the key words for test taking:
Key Word | What Should I Do? |
Describe | Give the characteristics and qualities about the subject |
Discuss | Tell all you know about the subject that is connected to the question |
State / Define | “Briefly describe” with minimal elaboration |
Analyze | Divide the subject into parts and examine the elements of each |
List | Briefly tell the sequence of steps / pieces that make up the whole |
Develop | Design a starting point and create a logical pattern leading to a conclusion |
Trace | Look at the development or events from a start point to an end point |
Outline / Summarize | Tell the overall theme and give the main points |
Diagram / Sketch / Illustrate | Present a visual with labeled parts |
Compare / Contrast | Give the likenesses and differences |
Explain | State the subject in simpler terms |
Demonstrate | Explain with significant examples |
Adopted from the books: Making the Grade (Grassick, 1983) and How to Take Tests (Millman & Pauk, 1969)
