Short Answer

• Prepare for short answer tests by using flash cards with definitions of key terms and phrases
• Respond with simple, concise sentences
• Make an educated guess if you don’t know the answer

Spot Key Words

Many times in a short answer question, you will be asked to analyze, compare or summarize - here are a few brief definitions of some key terms you may come across on your next test:

• Analyze: Break into different parts, examine, discuss, or interpret.
• Compare: Identify how two or more things are similar, and how they are different.
• Contrast: Compare with more emphasis upon finding differences than similarities.
• Criticize: Identify positive and negative points with scrutiny.
• Define: As related to the course, explain the meaning. Be specific.
• Describe: Present the pros and cons- compare and contrast.
• Evaluate: Using your opinions, and what you have read, state your opinion and give evidence to support your ideas.
• Interpret: Present in terms that are understandable, using examples and descriptions.
• Outline: Give an overview, by describing main ideas and events.
• Prove: Support your ideas with hard facts.
• Summarize: Condense into a brief overview.

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