Key Words In Question Papers Of CSS, PMS and PCS

Competitive exams (CSS, PMS, PCS and other sort of commission exams) are
different from academic exams on the basis of syllabus, paper setting,
assessment and evaluation, and the ratio of success and failure.

Interestingly in the compulsory and optional papers of CSS, PCS and PMS,the
nature of questions asked tends to require holistic understanding and tactful
handling. The questions carry different, complex terminologies, words,
terms, command words and phrases that create confusion resulting in lack
of clinical understanding and ultimately unsatisfactory performance despite
the fact students have sound knowledge and systematic preparation.

For facilitating aspiring candidates to unpack questions in a more

comprehensive way, this write-up is based on critical analysis of key exam
words. In the coaching academies and learning centers, more focus is
directed on theoretical aspects instead of practical technicalities which are
the hallmarks of success. Keeping this in mind, this piece of writing is a useful
read for competitive students.

Analyze
Take apart an idea, concept or statement and examine and criticize its sub-
parts in detail. You have to be methodical and logical. Break an issue into its
constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and
evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another.
Asses
Describe a topic’s positive and negative aspects and say how useful or
successful it is, or consider its contribution to

knowledge, events or processes (this is usually about how important

something is).Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the
reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to
point out any flaws and counter-arguments as well. Conclude by stating
clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition.

Clarify
Literally make something clearer and, where appropriate, simplify it. This
could involve, for example, explaining in simpler terms a complex process or
theory, or the relationship between two variables.

Comment on/upon
Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, reinforcing your
point of view using logic and reference to relevant evidence, including any
wider reading you have done. Both pros and cons are presented based on
one’s critical thinking.

Compare
Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena.
Say if any of the shared similarities or differences are more important than
others. ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’ will often feature together in an essay
question.

Contrast

Similar to compare but concentrate on the dissimilarities between two or

more phenomena, or what sets them apart. Point out any differences which
are particularly significant.

Consider
Say what you think and have observed about something. Back up your
comments using appropriate evidence from external sources, or your own
experience. Include any views which are contrary to your own and how they
relate to what you originally thought.

Critically Evaluate
Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of
research are true, or to what extent you agree with them. Provide evidence
taken from a wide range of sources which both agree with and contradict an
argument. Come to a final conclusion, basing your decision on what you
judge to be the most important factors and justify how you have made your
choice.

A critical evaluation of a subject will warrant an assertive essay response that

details the extent to which you agree with a set of findings, a theory, or an
argument. You need to present a critique of, alternative perspectives. State
your conclusion clearly and state the reasons for this conclusion, drawing on
factors and evidence that informed your perspective. Also try to justify your
position in order to present a convincing argument to the reader.

Criticize
Point out a topic’s mistakes or weaknesses as well as its favourable aspects.
Give a balanced answer (this will involve some analysis first).

Demonstrate
The key to tackling ‘demonstrate’ questions is to use several examples,
evidence, and logical arguments. Essentially, you are required to show how
a particular research topic or argument is valid by using evidence and
arguments to support your claim.
Define
To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any
problems posed with the definition and different interpretations that may
exist.

Describe
Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens.

Discuss
Essentially this is a written debate where you are using your skill at
reasoning, backed up by carefully selected evidence to make a case for and
against an argument, or point out the advantages and disadvantages of a
given context. Remember to arrive at a conclusion. All aspects like
political,social,cultural and economic dynamics are explored.

Examine
Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues
surrounding a topic. This should be a critical evaluation and you should try
and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the
most important, as well as explain the different ways they could be
construed.

A close examination of a research topic or argument requires that you

establish the key facts and important issues concerning the topic or
argument by looking at them in close detail. This means that you must adopt
a very critical approach with ‘examine’ question words.
You should also try to provide some context on why the issues and facts that
you have closely examined are important. Have these issues and facts been
examined differently by other scholars? If so, make a note of this. How did
they differ in their approach and what are the factors that account for these
alternative approaches?

‘Examine’ questions are less exploratory and discursive than some other
types of question. They focus instead on asking you to critically examine
particular pieces of evidence or facts to inform your analysis.

Explain
Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or
what is meant by the use of this term in a particular context. Your writing
should have clarity so that complex procedures or sequences of events can
be understood; defining key terms where appropriate, and be substantiated
with relevant research.

Give an account of
Means give a detailed description of something. Not to be confused with
‘account for’ which asks you not only what, but why something happened.

Explore
Adopt a questioning approach and consider a variety of different viewpoints.
Where possible reconcile opposing views by presenting a final line of
argument.
Identify
Determine what are the key points to be addressed and implications thereof.

Illustrate
A similar instruction to ‘explain’ whereby you are asked to show the workings
of something, making use of definite examples and statistics if appropriate
to add weight to your explanation.

Interpret
Demonstrate your understanding of an issue or topic. This can be the use of
particular terminology by an author, or what the findings from a piece of
research suggest to you. In the latter instance, comment on any significant
patterns and causal relationships.

Justify
Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas and points
of view. In order to present a balanced argument, consider opinions which
may run contrary to your own before stating your conclusion.

With ‘justify’ question words, you need to explain the basis of your argument
by presenting the evidence that informed your outlook. In such answers, you
need to present your evidence in a convincing way, demonstrating good
reasons for adopting your position. Here, a critical approach becomes crucial.
You need to explain why other possible arguments are unsatisfactory as well
as why your own particular argument is preferable.

Outline
Convey the main points placing emphasis on global structures and
interrelationships rather than minute detail.

Review
Look thoroughly into a subject. This should be a critical assessment and not
merely descriptive.

Summarize
Give a condensed version drawing out the main facts and omit superfluous
information. Brief or general examples will normally suffice for this kind of
answer.

Review
An answer to a ‘review’ question word should demonstrate critical
examination of a subject or argument. This is done by recapping or
summarizing the major themes or points in question, and critically discussing
them while giving your opinion.

Put another way, ‘review’ questions entail offering your opinion on the
validity of the essay question. For example, you may be asked to review the
literature on electoral reform in Pakistan. You’ll need to give an overview of
the literature and any major arguments or issues that arose from it. You then
need to comment logically and analytically on this material. What do you
agree or disagree with? What have other scholars said about the subject?
Are there any views that contrast with yours? What evidence are you using
to support your assessment? Don’t forget to state your position clearly.

Review answers should not be purely descriptive; they must demonstrate a

high level of analytical skill. The aim is not simply to regurgitate the works of
other scholars, but rather to critically analyze these works.

To what Extent
Evokes a similar response to questions containing ‘How far…‘. This type of
question calls for a thorough assessment of the evidence in presenting your
argument. Explore alternative explanations where they exist.

Understanding questions properly and presenting one’s answers in a

convincing and comprehensive manner need extensive reading and
continued writing practice. As an instructor of English language and
literature, students of academic as well as competitive exams shy away from
these salient features of handwork and smart study. Based on my personal
experience, coaching academies and personal tutors or instructors should be
prioritized as guidance and supervision are the sine qua non of success story.
Building vocabulary and developing professional writing skills need time,
energy, patience and commitment. The best way out is unflinching efforts
and struggle.

Your well-wisher,
CSS Mentor Maaz Anwar,
Bright Spark CSS Academy Lahore.
0333-6789416
Bright Spark CSS Academy Lahore
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