Glossary of science terms

This glossary is relevant only to science subjects. It is neither exhaustive nor definitive. Remember that the meaning of a term must depend in part on its context.

Calculate
This term is used when a numerical answer is required. In general, working should be shown, especially where two or more steps are involved.

Comment
This is intended as an open-ended instruction. It invites you to recall or infer points of interest relevant to the context of the question, taking account of the number of marks available.

Define (the term(s) ... )
This is intended literally. Only a formal statement or equivalent paraphrase is required.

Describe
This requires you to state in words (using diagrams, where appropriate) the main points of the topic. It is often used with reference either to particular phenomena or to particular experiments.

In the former instance, the term usually implies that the answer should include reference to (visual) observations associated with the phenomena.

In other contexts, describe and give an account of should be interpreted more generally. That is, you have greater discretion about the nature and the organisation of the material to be included in the answer. Describe and explain may be coupled in a similar way to state and explain.

Determine
This often implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but is obtained by calculation, substituting measured or known values of other quantities into a standard formula.

Discuss
This requires you to give a 'critical account' of the points involved in the topic.

Estimate
This implies a reasoned order of magnitude statement of calculation or the quantity concerned, making such simplifying assumptions as may be necessary about points of principle and about the values of quantities not otherwise included in the question.

Explain
This may imply reasoning or some reference to theory, depending on the context.

Find
This is a general term that may variously be interpreted as calculate, measure, or determine something.

List
This requires a number of points, generally each of one word, with no elaboration. Where a given number of points, is specified, this should not be exceeded.

Measure
This implies that the quantity concerned can be directly obtained from a suitable measuring instrument. For instance - length, using a rule, or mass, using a balance.

Outline
This term implies brevity. That is, restricting your answer to giving essentials.

Predict or Deduce
This implies that you are not expected to produce the required answer from memory, but by making a logical connection between other pieces of information. Such information may be wholly given in the question or may depend on answers extracted in an early part of the question.

Sketch
When applied to graph work, this implies that the shape and/or position of the curve need only be qualitatively correct, but you should be aware that, depending on the context, some quantitative aspects may be looked for. For instance, passing through the origin having an intercept, asymptote or discontinuity at a particular value.

In diagrams, sketch implies that a simple, freehand drawing is acceptable. Nevertheless, care should be taken over proportions and the clear exposition of important details.

State
This implies a concise answer with little or no supporting argument. For instance, a numerical answer that can readily be obtained 'by inspection'.

Suggest
This term is used in two main contexts - either to imply that there is no unique answer, or to imply that you are expected to apply your general knowledge to a 'novel' situation, one that may be formally 'not in the syllabus'.

What do you understand by/What is meant by (the term(s) ... )
This normally implies that a definition should be given, together with some relevant comment on the significance or context of the term(s) concerned especially where two or more terms are included in the question. The amount of supplementary comment intended should be interpreted in the light of the indicated mark value.

Special Note

Units, significant figures. You should be aware that misuse of units and/or significant figures may be penalised. That is, failure to quote units where necessary, the inclusion of units in quantities defined as ratios or quoting answers to an inappropriate number of significant figures.