GLOSSARY OF EXAMINATION TERMS
WORDS/TERMS DEFINITIONS/MEANINGS
account for present reason for action or event
annotate add a brief note to a label
apply use knowledge of principles to solve problems
assess present reasons for the importance of particular structures, relationships or process
calculate arrive at the solution to a numerical problem
classify divide into groups according to observable characteristics
comment state opinion or view with supporting reasons
compare state similarities and differences
construct use a specific format to make and draw a graph, histogram, pie chart or other
representation using data or material provided or drawn from practical
investigations, build (for example, a model), draw scale diagram
deduce make a logical connection between two or more pieces of information; use data to
arrive at a conclusion
define state concisely the meaning of a word or term
demonstrate show; direct attention to...
describe provide detailed factual information of the appearance or arrangement of a specific
structure or a sequence of a specific process
determine find the value of a physical quantity
design plan and present with appropriate practical detail
develop expand or elaborate an idea or argument with supporting reasons
diagram simplified representation showing the relationship between components.
differentiate state or explain briefly those differences between or among items which can be used
to define the items or place them into separate categories.
discuss present reasoned argument; consider points both for and against; explain the
relative merits of a case
draw make a line representation from specimens or apparatus which shows an accurate
relation between the parts
estimate make an approximate quantitative judgement
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WORDS/TERMS DEFINITIONS/MEANINGS
evaluate weigh evidence and make judgements based on given criteria
explain give reasons based on recall; account for
find locate a feature or obtain as from a graph
formulate devise a hypothesis
identify name or point out specific components or features
illustrate show clearly by using appropriate examples or diagrams, sketches
investigate use simple systematic procedures to observe, record data and draw logical
conclusions
label add names to identify structures or parts indicated by pointers
list itemise without detail
measure take accurate quantitative readings using appropriate instruments
name give only the name of
note write down observations
observe pay attention to details which characterise a specimen, reaction or change taking
place; to examine and note scientifically
outline give basic steps only
plan prepare to conduct an investigation
predict use information provided to arrive at a likely conclusion or suggest a possible
outcome
record write an accurate description of the full range of observations made during a given
procedure
relate show connections between; explain how one set of facts or data depend on others
or are determined by them
sketch make a simple freehand diagram showing relevant proportions and any important
details
state provide factual information in concise terms outlining explanations
suggest offer an explanation deduced from information provided or previous knowledge (...
a hypothesis; provide a generalisation which offers a likely explanation for a set of
data or observations.)
test to find out, following set procedures
Western Zone Office
31 March 2017
CXC 10/G/SYLL 17 49
