Study Zone

Read the question!

David Sexton is SBM examiner for the CIPFA exams

A common complaint from students following an exam is, 'I did not fully understand the requirements'. From an examiner's perspective a common observation is that, 'students did not answer the question asked'.
So how can this issue be resolved? Firstly, it is the examiner's responsibility to ensure questions are specific, focused and clear. Secondly, it is student's responsibility to ensure they read the question carefully and answer what is asked. So what is the problem?
It seems there are two issues that have to be considered; the wording of questions and actually reading the question.
When it comes to wording the question, examiners take great care to ensure the question is appropriate for the level of the exam and that the requirements are clear. This is checked by a moderator and approved by an independent CIPFA panel.
However, this can lead to assumptions being made by the examiner (and CIPFA) about what is specifically required. For example, if the question asks candidates to 'demonstrate' a theory or 'describe' a theory or 'define' a theory, many candidates are confused about the form, depth or breadth of the requirement.
To help candidates and standardise examination requirements CIPFA has produced a Verb Table (www.cipfa.org.uk/students/current/syllabus) which explains clearly what each verb means and consequently the requirement for the candidate.
Taking the terms 'demonstrate', 'describe' and 'define' as examples we can see clear differences in the requirement. 'Demonstrate' means 'show evidence of, describe and explain by use of examples'. This requires the candidate to provide evidence they understand the issue, explain it in detail and provide an example of its application – in other words a full answer. 'Describe' means 'state what something is like in words'. This requires the candidate to explain the issue in detail, but does not require evidence or examples of its application – in other words a full answer, but not necessarily supported with evidence of application. 'Define' means 'state or explain precisely'. This requires candidates to be very focused in their answer, not over elaborate or give evidence or examples – in other words a short carefully worded answer.
Now to the second issue; reading the question. Examiners understand the pressure of an examination situation – after all, we were all students at one time – and that when reading a question we often read what we want to read, not what is actually written.
Most candidates receive advice about how to read the question, to re-read the question before putting pen to paper, planning your answer carefully, etc.
However, the key to meeting the requirements of the question is understanding exactly what you are being asked to do, that is to 'demonstrate', 'describe' or 'define'. Therefore, candidates are strongly advised, no matter what examination they are taking, to be clear about what the verb used (often at the beginning of a question) actually means.
Understanding the exact requirement will prevent you from wasting time going into detail when its not required or not providing enough detail to achieve the mark your hard work deserves.
* Dave Sexton is the SBM examiner and Leadership and Management moderator

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