Understanding instruction words

Source: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/assessments/ve-assessments/instruction-words/ Parent: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/assessments/ve-assessments/

Have you ever been unsure if you're answering an assessment question or prompt in the right way? On this page, we will explain instruction words — the words that tell you what you need to do. Understanding these words will help you complete your assessments successfully.

Play this video to find out more.

Transcript

Assignment instructions can be confusing.

Let's say you’ve been given a series of prompts, but you're not sure exactly what you need to provide in an answer.

Here are two examples.

Prompt 1: Name the law that protects personal data in social care.

For this prompt, the key words are "Name the law". It's asking for a straightforward answer.

So, responding with "the Privacy Act 1988" is all that's required. You don’t need to explain or analyse anything.

Prompt 2: Describe one way that communication skills can impact client outcomes in social care.

The key word here is "describe." So, you need to provide an explanation.

For example, if your answer is that trust can impact client outcomes, simply answering "trust" isn’t enough; you need to explain how it impacts outcomes.

A better answer might be:

"Communication skills can impact the level of trust a client has towards their carer. Clear, respectful, and polite communication can build trust, while rude or disrespectful communication can decrease it."

By describing clearly how trust impacts outcomes, you will have fully answered the prompt.\

Question and prompt types

Now, we'll explore question and prompt instruction words in more detail.

Simple answer questions and prompts

Let's start with words that require you to respond with specific information:

• identify
• list
• name
• outline

For questions or prompts with these words, you need to provide the correct information. You do not need to provide an explanation or analysis.

For example:\ "List the steps required to create a care plan."

To answer this question correctly, all you need to do is write the correct steps. You do not need to describe why the steps are important or analyse if the steps are effective.

More examples

Name the law that regulates workplace health and safety standards in Victoria."

Suitable answers:

• "The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004."
• "The law that regulates health and safety standards in Victoria is the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004."

Identify two of the main causes of electrical faults in residential wiring systems."

Suitable answers:

• "Overloaded circuits and damaged wiring."
• "Two of the main causes of faults in residential electrical wiring systems are overloaded circuita and damaged wiring."

"State the four Cs of kitchen safety."

Suitable answers:

• "Cleanliness, cooking, chilling and cross-contamination."
• "The four Cs of kitchen safety are cleanliness, cooking, chilling and cross-contamination."

Questions and prompts that require explanation

The following words require you to provide explanation, description and/or analysis in your answer.

• analyse
• compare
• describe
• discuss
• explain

Here's an example prompt:

"Explain why sharps should be disposed of correctly."\ Now, let's explore some sample answers.

1. "It is very important that sharps are disposed of correctly."\ The student has not answered this question properly. They have said that it is important to dispose of sharps correctly, but not explained why it is important.

2. "Sharps should be disposed of correctly for safety."\ This answer has explained why it is important to dispose of sharps correctly, but they have not given enough detail. A more effective answer would provide detail about how sharps disposal and safety are related.

3. "Sharps should be disposed of correctly to prevent needle stick injuries, which can transmit infections. Proper disposal ensures a safe environment for healthcare workers and the public by reducing these risks."\ This answer has provided an explanation of why it is important to dispose of sharps correctly and the risks of incorrect disposal, so it meets the requirements of the prompt.

More examples

1. "Analyse a factor that impacts on customer satisfaction."

Not satisfactory: "One factor that influences customer satisfaction is service."

Satisfactory: "One factor that influences customer satisfaction is service. When customers engage with respectful, knowledgeable and friendly staff, they are more likely to have a positive experience. This increases the possibility of them becoming repeat customers and providing positive feedback. On the other hand, when service staff are rude or lack professionalism, this can create a negative impression of the service for the customer." 2. "Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using natural light versus flash photography in portrait shoots."

Not satisfactory: "Flash photography has many advantages over natural lighting."\ Satisfactory: "Natural light makes photos look soft and nice but can change with the weather and time of day. Flash gives steady light you can control but needs more skill and equipment to use well."

Test yourself

Read the questions and the answers that students have given.

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Keywords

• Assessment
• Understanding assignments

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