Exam task words

Question 1

Discuss

Example:
- Provide one sanction that may be imposed if Sam is found guilty and discuss the ability of that sanction to achieve its purposes.

Answer 1

give a reasoned argument for and against a particular issue (and provide strengths and weaknesses if applicable). You can also give your opinion, and should do so if the question asks you to give it

Question 2

Distinguish

Example
- Question 1 (2011)
Distinguish between exclusive and residual source.

Answer 2

explain the differences and distinctive characteristics

Question 3

Evaluate

Example
- Evaluate the effectiveness of two methods that are used by individuals or groups to influence a change in the law.

Answer 3

to identify key features and assess their relative merits by discussing the strengths and weaknesses and providing a concluding judgment about the (overall) benefit or worth of what is being evaluated

Question 4

Identify

Example.
- Identify the two types of law-making powers of the state parliaments. In your answer, provide an example of each.

Answer 4

to state or recognize a feature or factor (and possibly provide some basic facts about it)

Question 5

Illustrate

• Use one example to explain and illustrate how the law-making powers of the Commonwealth Parliament and the state parliaments have been changed by High Court interpretation of the Commonwealth Constitution.

Answer 5

to provide examples in order to better describe or explain a feature or concept

Question 6

Outline

Example
- Outline one effect of the interpretation of statute by judges.

Answer 6

to give a brief summary of the key features

Question 7

Provide

Example
- Audrey has commenced civil proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria (Trial Division). The Court will resolve the dispute at trial after mediation was unsuccessful.
Provide one reason for the existence of a court hierarchy. Refer to Audrey’s dispute in your answer.

Answer 7

to give, supply or specify

Question 8

To what extent

Example
- The author of a journal article wrote the following
opinion: ‘Juries should not decide matters of fact. It should all be left up to the judge.’
To what extent do you

Answer 8

to describe the degree or level

to which a statement, opinion or contention is (or is believed to be) correct or valid

Question 9

Advise

Answer 9

to offer suggestions about the best course of action or make recommendations

Question 10

Analyse

Answer 10

to examine a complex feature, issue or concept by breaking it down into smaller parts and showing how they relate to one another

Question 11

Comment on

Answer 11

to express an opinion or reaction (in order to demonstrate your understanding of it)

Question 12

Compare

Answer 12

to explain or discuss how concepts, definitions or features are similar and different (by identifying the qualities or features they have in common as well as those they don’t)

Question 13

Examine

Answer 13

to consider in detail and establish the key facts and important issues related to a topic or issue.

Question 14

Define

Answer 14

to state the exact nature, features, or meaning of a term, feature or concept

Question 15

Describe

Answer 15

to give a detailed account of a system, process or feature

Question 16

Assess

Answer 16

Weigh up the value of

Question 17

Apply

Answer 17

Use the information to illustrate meaning: makes links or connections, shows relationships

Question 18

Critically examine

Answer 18

To scrutinise carefully by detailed description

Question 19

Establish

Answer 19

Prove the point beyond dispute

Question 20

Indicate

Answer 20

Point out, show

Question 21

Interpret

Answer 21

To explain an understanding of something

Question 22

List

Answer 22

Make point briefly in order of importance

Question 23

To what extent

Answer 23

The degree to which an intuition, procedure, or law fulfills a purpose or principle