CB1 exam technique: Command words

[Danny]

Hi,

I would like clarity on what is expected for each of the command words that come up in CB1:

• Describe
• Explain
• Discuss
• Evaluate

Guidance on what is expected, and how best to score marks for each of these command words would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Lynn Birchall]

Hi

Definitely worth looking at how the IFoA explain the meaning of each of these here:
https://actuaries.org.uk/qualify/pr...bs-used-in-the-associate-and-fellowship-exams

You'll see from the past CB1 examiners reports that each point in a CB1 answer scores [1]. So, whichever of them was used in a 5-mark question say, we'd be looking for at least 5 scoring points. They don't differ in 'how many points' we need in the answer.

One way in which they do differ is indicated by them being categorised as knowledge (describe) / application (describe / explain) / higher order skills (discuss / evaluate). So, for example, a describe or explain question may require us to take some ideas (facts) from the course and relate them to the context of a particular question situation. A discuss / evaluate is less likely to have a definite 'correct' answer - we're more likely to be considering different options / looking at pros and cons / considering different points of view in our answer in order to score well.

Best wishes
Lynn