Command Words and Exam Technique
Command Words
Exam technique is something that you develop as you practice more exam questions.
By mastering the exam technique, you will ensure that you apply your knowledge correctly to answer the question.
Assessment Objectives
A01 - Knowledge
A02 - Explanations/development of points
A03 - Evaluation
A04 - Geographical skills
Breaking down the question
Before attempting a question it is important to break it down to understand what the question is asking.
Consider -
Command word - what does it mean? how will you need to structure your answer?
Key terms - what do the key terms in the answer mean?
Use of figures /examples - if you are given a figure, you must refer to this directly in your answer.
You must also refer to a case study or example if this question asks you to. you will limit your marks otherwise.
Number of marks -Think about the structure of you answer for different marks of question? How many developed points will you need? Remember you need a conclusion for a 9 mark question!
Exam Technique
Download this document which provides guidance include as to how to answer different mark exam questions. it also includes a detailed support sheet for 9 mark questions!
How to answer 9 mark questions...
Use of Figures
You must refer to the figure in your answer if you are given one.
eg. In the figure you can see that.
For example, in Figure 9
Figure 9 shows that...
Describing a graph
1) Look at the overall trend.
2) Refer to data from the graph as evidence.