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CP1 - 'Describe' vs 'Outline

C

CloudyClue

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Hello, I was wondering what the difference between the 'Describe and 'Outline' verb is

I feel like 'Outline' verbs should be straightforward but then it seems I'm sometimes answering them as if they're a 'List' question

Sort of confused how far an explanation I need for both verbs.
 
Hi - make sure you have digested the definitions provided on the IFoA website: https://actuaries.org.uk/qualify/pr...s-used-in-the-associate-and-fellowship-exams/

For 'Describe' there needs to be a reasonable amount of descriptive content.
For 'Outline' there needs to be some brief descriptive content.
For 'List' there doesn't need to be any descriptive content.

As a very rough example, for a question about risks arising for the insurer under a life insurance contract:
'List the risks ...' -> Expense risk
'Outline the risks ...' -> Actual expenses being higher than allowed for in the pricing basis
'Describe the risks ...' -> Actual expenses being higher than priced for, due to the insurer not having any experience of administering this contract

Don't get too hung up on the command verb, but do aim to make sure that for both a 'Describe' and an 'Outline' there is some descriptive detail in your points.
 
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