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Define – only needs a formal statement or equivalent paraphrase.

What do you understand by / What is meant by (the term(s)....)
- give a definition, 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.

State – give a concise answer with little or no supporting argument, eg. a numerical answer that can readily be obtained ‘by inspection’.

List – give 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.

Explain - give a reason or some reference to theory, depending on the context.

Describe – state in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the main points of the topic. It is often used with reference either to particular phenomena or to particular experiments. 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 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 as may state and explain.

Discuss - give a critical account of the points involved in the topic.

Outline – give the essentials.

Predict – give a concise answer with no supporting statement required.  Answer the question 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 earlier part of the question.

Deduce – give a concise answer with some supporting stated if required, eg. reference to a law or principle, or the necessary reasoning is to be included in the answer.  Answer the question 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 earlier part of the question.

Suggest means that there may be more than one answer you must give the most appropriate. Use your general knowledge of the subject to a new situation.

Find means calculate, measure or determine, etc.

Calculate is used when a numerical answer is required. Normally working should be shown especially where two or more steps are involved.

 Measure the quantity concerned can be directly obtained from a suitable measuring instrument, eg. length, using a rule, or mass, using a balance.

Determine the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but is obtained by calculation, substituting measured or know values of other quantities into a standard formula, eg. relative molecular mass.

Estimate – give 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.

Sketch a Graph means 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, eg. passing through the origin, having an intercept.

Sketch a Diagram, means that a simple, freehand drawing is acceptable: nevertheless, care should be taken over proportions and the clear exposition of important details.