Glossary
Account for Asks candidates to explain a particular situation or a particular outcome. Candidates
are expected to present a reasoned case for the existence of something. For
example:
Account for the rise in unemployment shown in the table of data.
Analyse Asks candidates to respond with a closely argued and detailed examination of a
particular topic or event. A clearly written analysis will indicate the relevant
interrelationships between important variables and any relevant assumptions
involved, and will also include a critical view of the significance of the account as
presented. If this key word is augmented by the phrase “the extent to which”, then
candidates should be clear that judgment is also sought. For example:
Analyse the extent to which foreign aid promotes economic development.
Assess Asks candidates to measure and judge the magnitude or quality of something.
Candidates may offer differing assessments as long as they present the reasoning
for their conclusion. For example:
Assess the economic implications of the movement of many eastern and central
European countries from planned economies to market economies.
Calculate Asks candidates to give a precise answer, meaning there is only one acceptable
answer. For example:
Calculate the PED for a price change of $2.00 to $2.20.
Compare/Compare
and contrast Asks candidates to describe two situations and present the similarities and
differences between them. A description of the two situations does not on its own
meet the requirements of this key term. For example:
Compare the effectiveness of demand-side policies to supply-side policies in
reducing the level of unemployment.
Define Asks candidates to give a clear and precise account of a given word or concept. For
example:
Define what is meant by a free-trade area.
Describe Asks candidates to provide a description of a given situation. It is a neutral request
to present a detailed picture. For example:
Describe the main roles of the IMF and the World Bank.
Discuss Asks candidates to consider a statement or to offer a considered review of or
balanced argument about a particular topic. For example:
Discuss the view that trade is more effective than aid in promoting economic
development.
Distinguish Asks candidates to make clear their understanding of similar terms. For example:
Distinguish between normal and supernormal profit.
Evaluate* Invites candidates to make an appraisal of a situation. Candidates should weigh the
nature of the evidence available and discuss the convincing aspects of an argument
as well as its implications and limitations, and the less convincing elements within
an argument. For example:
Evaluate alternative policies designed to reduce inflation.
Explain Directs candidates to describe clearly, make intelligible and give reasons for a
concept or idea. For example:
Explain why a monopolist may charge different prices to different customers for the
same service.
To what extent? Asks candidates to evaluate the success or otherwise of one argument or concept
over another. Candidates should present a conclusion, supported by arguments.
For example:
To what extent should LDCs adopt outward-oriented strategies rather than inwardoriented
strategies to promote economic development?
What? Asks candidates to clarify the nature of something, in contrast to either a temporal
dimension (when?) or a spatial dimension (where?) For example:
What is the difference between a tariff and a quota?
Why? Invites candidates to present reasons for the existence of something. This
command word implies a powerful requirement to present a judgment. It is similar to
the invitation “account for”. For example:
Why do prices tend to be stable in an oligopolistic industry?