Glossary of terms used in science papersThis glossary (which is relevant only to science subjects) will prove helpful to candidates as a guide, but it is neither exhaustive nor definitive. The glossary has been deliberately kept brief, not only with respect to the number of terms included, but also to the descriptions of their meanings. Candidates should appreciate that the meaning of a term must depend, in part, on its context.1 Define (the term(s) ... ) is intended literally, only a formal statement or equivalent paraphrase being required.2 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. The amount of supplementary comment intended should be interpreted in the light of the indicated mark value.3 State implies a concise answer with little or no supporting argument (e.g. a numerical answer that can readily be obtained ‘by inspection’).4 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.5 (a) 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.(b) Give a reason/Give reasons is another way of asking candidates to explain why something happens.6 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. 7 Discuss requires the candidate to give a critical account of the points involved.8 Outline implies brevity (i.e. restricting the answer to giving essentials).9 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. 10 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. 11 Suggest is used in two main contexts, i.e. either to imply that there is no unique answer (e.g. in chemistry, two or more substances may satisfy the given conditions describing an ‘unknown’), 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.12 Find is a general term that may variously be interpreted as calculate, measure, determine, etc.13 Calculate is used when a numerical answer is required. In general, working should be shown, especially where two or more steps are involved.14 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).15 Determine often implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but is obtained from a graph or by calculation. 16 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.17 Sketch, when applied to graph work, implies 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 (e.g. passing through the origin, having an intercept).In diagrams, sketch implies that simple, free-hand drawing is acceptable; nevertheless, care should be taken over proportions and the clear exposition of important details.
