Answering Question
All the times, you must ensure that you really understand and examination question or assignment title and address all the required parts.
Questions can be considered in terms of three main components:
- Topic
- Scope and focus
- Question type
Topic
The topic(s) of the question will usually be clear from the question itself. For example:
Explain the process of photosynthesis.
When you write your answer think about why the examiner has chosen to ask this topic.
Scope and focus
Often, the wording of the question will conclude a word or phrase that either limits or expands the topic in a very specific way. These phrase show you the focus of the question. Try to avoid common mistakes, such as:
- Covering too broad an area. For example, if the question asks about textile mills in the American South in the 1930s, think very carefully about including information about the 1920s or 1940s, or about textile mills in other parts of the country.
- Writing with too narrow a focus. For example, if you are asked about the impact of climate change on South America, you should not write about its impact only on Brazil.
- Only answering half of the question. For example, if the question asks What other effects will a reduction in air travel have and will the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? you need to discuss both questions.
Question types
The depth and type of information that you provide in your answer depends on the kind of question being asked.
1. Knowledge Questions
These ask you to recall important facts and are the simplest question.
Key verbs
- outline
- define
- describe
- give
- state
- summarize
- label
- identify
- name
- list
Example: Define the term 'muscle tone' and describe how it can help good posture.
2. Comprehension Questions
These ask you to demonstrate your understanding of concepts. You must clearly show that you understand the ideas and theories that underlie the facts.
Key verbs
- explain
- summarize
- illustrate
- restate paraphrase
- give examples
- express
- distinguish (between)
- trace
- match
Example: Give three example of human activities that have major effects on our climate.
3. Application Questions
Here you use your knowledge of facts and concepts to address a specific problem. These questions require you to move beyond simple recollection.
Key Verbs
- apply
- show
- solve
- choose
- organize
- generalize
- generalize
- prepare
- relate (X to Y)
Example: Show how a national minimum wage will affect levels of unemployment and total output.
4. Analysis Questions
These examine relationships between/ among various facts and concepts.
Key verbs
- analysis
- compare
- contrast
- distinguish
- differentiate
- subdivide
- classify
- categorize
- select
- infer
- prioritize
Example: Compare the merits of 'renting; and 'squatting' as solutions to housing problems for the poor in cities in the developing world.
5. Synthesis Questions
These ask you to create a new product or structure in written form.
Key Verbs
- design
- plan
- construct
- create
- compare
- produce
- develop
- invent
- combine
6. Evaluation Questions
These ask you to make a value judgments and present your own opinions. This kind of questions is very common in academic work. It is important to support your opinions by citing the work and views of experts in the field, if possible.
Key verbs
- discuss
- evaluate
- compare
- consider examine
- explore
- comment (on)
- justify
- appraise
- weigh
- support
- recommend
Example: Discuss the argument that the use of force in self-defense is justifiable.
Note: IELTS Academic Writing
- Task 1: This is usually a combination of comprehension and analysis questions: Summarize the information... and make comparisons where relevant.
- Task 2: This is usually an evaluation question: At what age should young people be considered adults? Explain your position.
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