*** Copied from a 1996 RGS notes ***
It is hoped that this glossary (which is relevant only to
Science subjects) will prove helpful to candidates as a guide, i.e.
it is neither exhaustive nor definitive. The glossary has been
deliberately kept brief not only with respect to the number of
terms included but also to the descriptions of their meanings.
Candidates should appreciate that the meaning of a term must depend
in part on its context.
1. Define (the term(s)...)
is intended literally, only a formal statement or equivalent
paraphrase being required.
2. What do you understand by/What
is meant by (the term(s)...) normally implies that a
definition should be given, together with some relevant comment on
the significance or context of the term(s) concerned, especially
where two or more terms are included in the question. The amount of
supplementary comment intended should be interpreted in the light
of the indicated mark value.
3. State implies a concise
answer with little or no supporting argument, e.g. a numerical
answer that can readily be obtained 'by inspection'.
4. List requires a number
of points, generally each of one word, with no elaboration. When a
given number of points is specified, it should not be
exceeded.
5. Explain may imply
reasoning or some reference to theory, depending on the
context.
6. Describe requires the
candidate to state in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the
main points of this topic. It is often used with reference either
to particular phenomena or to particularexperiments. In the former
instance, the term usually implies that the answer should include
reference to (visual) observations associated with the
phenomena.
In other contexts, describe and
given an account of should be interpreted more generally,
ie. the candidate has greater discretion about the nature and the
organisation of the material to be included in the answer.
Describe and explain may
be coupled in a similar way to state and explain.
7. Discuss requires the
candidate to give a critical account of the points involved in the
topic.
8. Outline implies
brevity, ie. restricting the answer to giving essentials.
9. Predict or deduce implies that the candidate is
not expected to producte the required answer by recall but by
making a logical connection between other pieces of information.
Such information may be wholly given in the question or may depend
on answers extracted in an early part of the question.
10. Suggest is used in two
main contexts, i.e. either to imply that there is no unique answer
(e.g. in chemistry, two or more substanes may satisfy the given
conditions describin an 'unknown'), or to imply that candidates are
expected to apply their general knowledge to a 'novel' situation,
one that may be formally 'not in syllabus'.
11. Find is a general term
that may variously be interpreted as calculate, measure, determine,
etc.
12. Calculate is used when
a numerical answer is required. In general, working should be
shown, especially where two or more steps are involved.
13. Measure implies that
the quantity concerned can be directly obtained froma suitable
measuring instrument, e.g. length, using a rule, or mass, using a
balance.
14. Determine often
implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but
is obtained by calculation, substituting measured or known values
of other quantities into a standard formula, e.g. relative
molecular mass.
15. Estimate implies a
reasoned order of magnitude statement or calculation of the
quantity concerned, making such simplifying assumptions as may be
necessary about points of principle and about the values of
quantities not otherwise included in the question.
16. Sketch, when applied
to graph work, implies that the shape and/or position of the curve
need only be qualitatively correct, but candidates should be aware that,
depending on the context, some quantitative aspects may be looked
for, e.g. passing through the origin, having an intercept,
asymptote or discontinuity at a particular value.
In diagrams, sketch
implies that a simple, freehand drawing is acceptable;
nevertheless, care should be taken over proportions and teh clear
exposition of important details.
Special Note:
Units, significant figures. Candidates should be aware that misuse
of units and/or significant figures, i.e. failure to quote units
where necessary, the inclusion of units in quantities defined as
ratios or quoting answers to an inappropriate number of significant
figures, is liable to be penailised.
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