In many cases, we notice that students’ performance is poor in standardized tests when compared with internal school assessments. One of the major reasons is the lack of knowledge of stating the answer correctly according to the international standardized definition of the keyword. Train your students to answer correctly as per the requirements of the questions on daily basis so when they set for international assessments they will be able to do well.

 

Here is a list of the most common assessment keywords with an explanation for each. Discuss them with students regularly to set clear expectations for the answers that they have to provide in their assessments. In standardized tests, all constructed response questions have rubrics based on the question keyword. Students will receive credit based on the available information in relation to the question keyword.

 

 

• Account for: requires an answer that gives the reasons for the subject of the question.

 

• Analyze: requires an answer that takes apart an idea, concept or statement in order to consider all the factors it consists of. Answers of this type should be very methodical and logically organized. The response has to show the essence of something by breaking it down into its component parts and examining each part in detail.

 

 

• Argue: requires an answer that present the case for and against a particular proposition
• Compare: requires an answer that sets items side by side and shows their similarities and differences. A balanced (fair, objective) answer is expected. The answer of this type of questions has to include both similarities and differences.

 

 

• Concept: requires an answer that presents an important idea or generalization.

 

 

• Concise: requires an answer that is short and brief

 

 

• Consider: requires an answer in which the students describe and give their thoughts on the subject.

 

 

• Contrast: requires an answer that points out only the differences between two items. The comparison between the two items has to place them in opposition in order to identify the alterations.

 

 

• Criteria: requires an answer that states all the characteristics and properties related to the discussed topic. All the standards has to be tackled and clearly visible in the answer.

 

 

• Criticize: requires an answer that points out mistakes or weaknesses, and that also indicates any favorable aspects of the subject of the question. It requires a balanced answer. The answer will consist of a judgement backed up with a discussion of evidence and theories.

 

 

• Deduction: the conclusion or generalization you come to after looking carefully at all the facts.

 

 

• Define: requires an answer that explains the precise meaning of a concept. A definition answer will include a definition, probably expanded. The meaning of the word has to be precise, accurate and specific.

 

 

• Describe: requires an answer that says what something is like, how it works and so on. It provide all details of the characteristics of the topic.

 

• Discuss: requires an answer that explains an item or concept, and then gives details about it with supportive information, examples, points for and against, and explanations for the facts put forward. It is important to give both sides of an argument and come to a conclusion.

 

 

• Differentiate: requires an answer that show the difference between two things by determining their distinctions.

 

 

• Elucidate: requires an answer that explains what something means, makes it clear.

 

 

• Evaluate/Assess: require an answer that decides and explains how great, valuable or important something is. The judgement should be backed by a discussion of the evidence or reasoning involved. The answer include a personal opinion supported by evidence.

 

 

• Explain: requires an answer that offers a rather detailed and exact explanation of an idea or principle, or a set of reasons for a situation or attitude.

 

 

• Explore: requires an answer that examines the subject thoroughly and considers it from a variety of viewpoints. The answer has to thoroughly inquire into a topic by examining and analyzing every aspect of it.

 

• Illustrate: requires an answer that consists mainly of examples to demonstrate or prove the subject of the question. It is often added to another instruction. The explanation has to be clearly supported by concrete examples or diagrams.

 

 

• Implications: requires an answer that justify why the results are not obvious and long term while suggesting new results.

 

 

• Interpret: requires an answer that bring out the meaning of, and make clear and explicit; usually also giving a personal judgement.

 

 

• Investigate: requires an answer that presents the findings of researches and studies related to the topic area.

 

 

• In relation to: requires an answer that relates only a certain part of the topic to another topic.

 

 

• Justify: requires an answer that gives only the reasons for a position or argument. Answer the main objections by defending or showing adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions.

 

• Limitations: requires an answer that explain where something is not useful or not relevant.

 

 

• Prove/Disprove: both of these require answers that demonstrate the logical arguments and/or evidence connected with a proposition prove requires the ‘pro’ points, and disprove requires the ‘contra’ points.

 

• Outline: requires an answer that give the main points or general principles of a subject, omitting minor details, and emphasizing structure and relationship.

 

 

• Relate: requires an answer that Narrate or show how things are connected to each other and to what extent they are alike or affect each other.

 

• Review: requires an answer that examine the subject critically.

 

 

• Significance: requires an answer that show the meaning and importance of the discussed topic.

 

 

• State: requires an answer that expresses the relevant points briefly and clearly without lengthy discussion or minor details.

 

 

• Summarize/Outline: require an answer that contains a summary of all the available information about a subject. It give a concise account of the major points or substance of a matter, omitting details and examples.

 

 

• To what extent is X true: requires an answer that discusses and explains in what ways X is true and in what ways X is not true.

 

 

• Valid/validity: requires an answer that states evidences and facts to prove the statement