Teaching Prepared by Caroline W. Ndirangu

Key Words in Questions
In classroom tests and external examinations certain key words are used more 
frequently to introduce or specify questions than others. The table below shows 
some of these terms and their implications.
KEY WORDS
IMPLICATIONS
Define
Requires learners to give an accurate description of the subject in question
Outline
List the main key points in a logical way
Compare/contrast
Learners identify similarities and differences
Illustrate
Learners give examples of facts, concepts, principles or generalizations
Explain
Learners are expected to simplify and illustrate the topic in question
Trace
The description of steps or stages of the phenomena in question.
Discuss
Learners  consider  different  aspects  of  the  topic  argue  analyze  them  critically  by 
presenting different points of view on the subject in question.
Use these common key words to formulate questions from your teaching subject 
area. You could also add to the list of key words.

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African Virtual University
   
Different questions also test different domains of learning as you noted down in 
the readings. The table below shows what domains different questions involve 
and their implications.