Harward International College | RTO: 22332 | CRICOS: 03234B | Version: 1.0 Page 1 of 4
Assessment Task – Knowledge Questions
Response guidance
The following written questions may use a range of “instructional words” such as “identify” or “explain”, which tell
you how student should answer the question. Use the definitions below to assist you to assess the type of response
expected.
Note that the following guidance is the minimum level of response required.
Analyse – when a question asks you to analyse something, you should do so in detail, and identify important
points and key features. Generally, you are expected to write a response one or two paragraphs long.
Compare – when a question asks you to compare something, you will need to show how two or more things are
similar, ensuring that you also indicate the relevance of the consequences. Generally, you are expected to write a
response one or two paragraphs long.
Contrast – when a question asks you to contrast something, you will need to show how two or more things are
different, ensuring you indicate the relevance or the consequences. Generally, you are expected to write a
response one or two paragraphs long.
Discuss – when a question asks you to discuss something, you are required to point out important issues or
features and express some form of critical judgement. Generally, you are expected to write a response one or two
paragraphs long.
Describe – when a question asks you to describe something, you should state the most noticeable qualities or
features. Generally, you are expected to write a response two or three sentences long.
Evaluate – when a question asks you to evaluate something, you should put forward arguments for and against
something. Generally, you are expected to write a response one or two paragraphs long.
Examine – when a question asks you to examine something, this is similar to “analyse”, where you should provide
a detailed response with key points and features and provide critical analysis. Generally, you are expected to write
a response one or two paragraphs long.
Explain – when a question asks you to explain something, you should make clear how or why something happened