study guide pp

Study GuideWhat is the difference between a Pass, Merit and Distinction?

To obtain a PASS I need to…

Demonstrate that I understand the important facts about the topic

A PASS means I can…

Command Word This means…

Create or Produce Make, invent or construct an item

Describe Give a clear, straightforward description that includes the main points and links them together logically

Define Explain what a term means and give an example, if appropriate to show what I mean

Explain Give the meaning of something, with reasons. Start with the topic then give the ‘how’ or ‘why’

Identify Distinguish and state the main features or basic facts relating to a topic

Interpret Define or explain the meaning

A PASS means I can…


Illustrate Give examples to show what I mean

List Provide the information in a list rather than continuous writing

Outline Write a clear description that includes all the main points but avoid going into too much detail

Plan or Devise Work out and explain how I would carry out an activity

Select and present information

Identify relevant information to support the argument I am making and communicate this in an appropriate way

State Write a clear full account

Undertake Carry out a specific activity

To obtain a MERIT I need to…

Prove that I can apply my knowledge in a specific way

To achieve a MERIT I can…


Analyse Identify separate factors, say how they are related and how each one relates to the topic

Classify Sort my information into appropriate categories before presenting or explaining it

Compare & Contrast

Identify the main factors that apply and explain the similarities and the differences or advantages or disadvantages

Demonstrate Provide relevant examples or evidence that supports the arguments I am making

Discuss Provide a thoughtful and logical argument to support the case I am making

To achieve a MERIT I can…


Implement Put into practice or operation. I may have to interpret or justify the result

Interpret Understand and explain a result

Justify Give appropriate reasons to support my opinion or views and show how I arrived at these conclusions

Relate/Report Give a full account, with reasons

Research Carry out a full investigation

Specify Provide full details and descriptions of selected items or activities

To obtain a DISTINCTION I need to…

Prove that I can make a reasoned judgement based on evidence

To achieve a DISTINCTION I…


Analyse Identify the key factors, show how they are linked and explain the importance and relevance of each

Assess Give careful consideration to all the factors or events that apply and identify which are the most important and relevant with reason for my views

Comprehensively Explain

Give a VERY detailed explanation that covers all the relevant points and give reasons for my views or actions

To achieve a DISTINCTION I…


Comment Critically

Give my view after I have considered all the evidence. Particularly the importance of both the relevant positive and negative aspects

Evaluate Review the information and then bring it together to form a conclusion. Give evidence to support each of my views

Evaluate Critically Review the information to decide the degree to which something is true, important or valuable. Then assess possible alternatives taking into account their strengths and weaknesses if they were applied instead. Then give a precise and detailed account to explain my opinion

Summarise Identify review the main, relevant factors and/or arguments so that these are explained in a clear and concise manner

study guide pp

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