IGCSE Physics

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Define (the term(s)…)
is intended literally, only a formal statement or equivalent paraphrase being required.
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State
implies a concise answer with little or no supporting argument (e.g. a numerical answer that can readily be obtained ‘by inspection’).
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List
requires a number of points, generally each of one word, with no elaboration. Where a given number of points is specified this should not be exceeded.
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Give a reason/Give reasons
is another way of asking candidates to explain why something happens.
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Explain
may imply reasoning or some reference to theory, depending on the context. It is another way of asking candidates to give reasons. The candidate needs to leave the examiner in no doubt why something happens.
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Describe
requires the candidate to state in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the main points. Describe and explain may be coupled, as may state and explain.
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Discuss
requires the candidate to give a critical account of the points involved.
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Outline
implies brevity (i.e. restricting the answer to giving essentials).
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Predict
implies that the candidate is expected to make a prediction not by recall but by making a logical connection between other pieces of information.
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Deduce
implies that the candidate is not expected to produce the required answer by recall but by making a logical connection between other pieces of information.
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Find
is a general term that may variously be interpreted as calculate, measure, determine, etc.
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Calculate
is used when a numerical answer is required. In general, working should be shown, especially where two or more steps are involved.
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Measure
implies that the quantity concerned can be directly obtained from a suitable measuring instrument (e.g. length using a rule, or mass using a balance).
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Determine
often implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but is obtained from a graph or by calculation.
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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.
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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.
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Suggest
either to imply that there is no unique answer or candidates are expected to apply their general knowledge of the subject to a ‘novel’ situation, one that may be formally ‘not in the syllabus’
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Suggest
or to imply that candidates are expected to apply their general knowledge of the subject to a ‘novel’ situation, one that may be formally ‘not in the syllabus’ – many data response and problem solving questions are of this type.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

implies a concise answer with little or no supporting argument (e.g. a numerical answer that can readily be obtained ‘by inspection’).

Back

State

Card 3

Front

requires a number of points, generally each of one word, with no elaboration. Where a given number of points is specified this should not be exceeded.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

is another way of asking candidates to explain why something happens.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

may imply reasoning or some reference to theory, depending on the context. It is another way of asking candidates to give reasons. The candidate needs to leave the examiner in no doubt why something happens.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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