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How to write
a good answer?
Levels of Response:
Examiners
award marks using a 'Levels of Response' strategy. This has
replaced the traditional approach of rewarding basic points
given and the development of those points. The net effect of
the change is to reward the depth of an answer rather than the
breadth.
The four
levels of response correspond o the level of skill used in the
answer.
1.
Level 1 – Knowledge:
In this answer, the candidate demonstrates that he or she
knows the subject.
2.
Level 2- Application:
This is the ability to apply basic terms, concepts, theories
and methods to the problem being assessed. An example to
illustrate the difference between Level 1 and 2 relates to
Maslow’s Theory of Motivation. A clear statement of the theory
would attract a high mark (Level 1), but does not constitute
application. To get into Level 2 it is necessary to apply the
theory to work situation.
3.
Level 3- Analysis:
Analysis is defined as breaking up information into component
parts and identifying the assumptions on which a particular
line of reasoning depends. Analysis includes presenting the
advantages and disadvantages of a particular issue, suggesting
causes and consequences and commenting on decisions or
situations
4.
Level 4- Evaluation:
Here the candidate has to make a reasonable judgment. This is
not just conclusion, but a conclusion based on the material
presented. Evaluation includes the following:
- Presenting
a balanced argument resulting in a conclusion
- Assessing
or appraising the value of information.
-
Prioritizing a range of strategies.
-
Recognizing the limitations of information given.
- Judgment
after comparing and contrasting.
Command words:
- Account
for- To give reason for or explain or explain how a
particular event or situation has come about.
- Advise:
To give recommendations why certain courses of action should
be adopted or a certain opinion accepted.
- Analyse:
To break up an argument or information into component parts
and identify the ways in which these parts are related.
- Assess:
To weigh up and evaluate options or arguments or make some
kind of judgement on the relative importance of a particular
aspect of the subject.
- Comment
on: To say what you think of the subject/ draw
conclusions from the evidence. To agree or disagree with a
stated position and must be backed by reasoned argument.
- Compare:
To identify similarities and differences.
-
Contrast: To show how the subjects are different.
-
Consider: To weigh up the options.
-
Critically Analyse: To weigh the pros and cons
of an argument, proposal or theory; a criticism often
stresses weaknesses, but should not overlook strengths, if
any.
- Define:
To give the exact meaning of the term and possibly an
example.
-
Describe: To give an account of the main characteristics
of something, stating what it is. It is not a logical
analysis.
- Discuss:
To put forward both sides of a case before coming to
conclusion.
-
Distinguish: To show that you understand the
differences between two concepts:
-
Enumerate: To list the main ideas.
-
Evaluate: To make a reasoned judgment about the validity
of a particular argument or statement.
- Examine:
To write out what you have to say for and against a subject;
to say which side you support and give reasons for your
support.
- Explain:
To interpret the meaning of a particular concept with an
example to illustrate understanding.
-
Identify: To name and briefly describe.
- How:
To show details of how something is achieved.
- Justify:
To give evidence for a particular point of view.
- Outline:
To state the main features of something without labelling
subordinate details.
- Review:
To give an overall view of the important parts of a subject
and back your views with facts.
- State:
To express fully or clearly.
- To what
extent: To make a judgement about the degree to which a
statement or theory is true.
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