Understanding The Terminologies Used In QUuestions
In competitive exams like CSS, the prefixes and suffixes used in questions can often cause confusion when structuring your answers. It’s important to fully understand these terms so that you can tailor your answer effectively. Below is a breakdown of common directives and how to approach them:
- CRITICALLY EXAMINE OR EXAMINE
When asked to critically examine, you must analyze the issue from both positive and negative perspectives. Be critical and objective from the start, providing a balanced view. However, you should aim to question or challenge the statement, rather than simply affirming it. Example: If asked to critically examine the role of the United Nations, you would evaluate both its successes and failures, but ultimately point out its limitations or areas of inefficiency.
- EVALUATE
In an evaluate question, you are expected to present both the positive and negative aspects but remain neutral throughout. Unlike critically examine, your goal here is not to challenge the proposition but to provide a balanced assessment of its merits and drawbacks. Example: If asked to evaluate the impact of industrialization on society, you would outline both the economic growth it brings and the environmental concerns, without concluding on one side.
- COMMENT
When the question asks you to comment, you are given the flexibility to take a stance on the issue. You can either support or challenge the proposition. However, your answer must be logical and systematically presented. Example: In a question like “Comment on the effectiveness of Pakistan’s education policies,” you are free to express a positive or negative opinion, backed by relevant statistics or examples of policy outcomes.
- DISCUSS
Discuss requires a comprehensive examination of the issue from multiple angles, covering both sides of the argument. You are expected to give a full exploration of the topic without taking a particular stance. Example: If the question is “Discuss the causes of World War I,” your answer should include both the immediate and underlying causes, such as alliances, militarism, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, without asserting one as more significant than the others.
- ANALYZE
To analyze a topic means to break it down into its fundamental components. You need to examine the underlying causes, reasons, and effects. Your answer should dig deeper into the issue and dissect the problem from multiple angles. Example: If asked to analyze the causes of inflation, your answer should include not only a definition but also the role of demand-pull and cost-push factors, monetary policies, and global market dynamics.
- EXPLAIN
Explain requires you to first analyze and then clarify the issue using examples, illustrations, or case studies. Your aim is to ensure the examiner thoroughly understands the concept. Example: If the question is “Explain the significance of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan,” you would break down its historical context, the provisions introduced, and the long-term impact, supported by specific articles of the Constitution.
- ILLUSTRATE / ENUMERATE / ELABORATE / DESCRIBE
These terms call for a straightforward presentation of facts or arguments, without engaging in criticism. Detailed and descriptive answers are required. Example: In a question asking you to “Enumerate the causes of poverty in developing countries,” you would list the causes such as lack of education, political instability, and economic mismanagement, and briefly explain each.
- SUBSTANTIATE
When asked to substantiate, you must provide proof to support the proposition. Your answer should be strong and convincing, backed by concrete examples or data. Example: In a question like “Substantiate the claim that climate change is man-made,” you would present scientific evidence such as carbon emissions data, studies on deforestation, and historical climate patterns to make your case.
- DISTINGUISH BETWEEN
To distinguish between two concepts, follow this structure:
- Explain the first concept
- Explain the second concept
- Highlight the similarities
- Outline the differences
- Provide a concluding remark to summarize your analysis.
Example:In a question asking you to distinguish between capitalism and socialism, your answer should first define and explain each system, then compare their similarities (both are economic systems) and their differences (private vs. public ownership), and finally conclude with a summary of the key distinctions.
- A STRUCTURED APPROACH TO ANSWERING ANY QUESTION
If you feel unsure about how to approach a particular question, follow this general structure:
- Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the topic or issue.
- Main Points: Present the core arguments or information.
- Explanation: Support each point with examples, scholars’ opinions, illustrations, or case studies, where applicable.
- Conclusion: Summarize the main points in a concise manner and provide a strong, definitive closing