Students need both information stored in long-term memory and test-taking strategies in order to do well on tests. Without both of these skills, our students are at a serious disadvantage.
While many teachers and parents often teach students to think positively and use relaxation techniques before a test, one important factor of test taking that is often overlooked is teaching students test vocabulary. This is the vocabulary most frequently seen on essay questions, although they might be seen in multiple choice questions, too.
If we teach test vocabulary, what the words mean, and how they may look in different forms on a test, our students will be well prepared at test time. Even when we must teach material below grade level to ensure understanding of content, it is imperative that we teach test vocabulary at grade level to ensure success at test time.
The following are test vocabulary words with definitions of what they mean on a test. This is not the classic definition, but the way the tests wants you to respond to them.
Discuss: Consider important characteristics and main points
Enumerate: List or discuss one-by-one
Explain: Give facts and details that make the idea or concept clear and understandable
Illustrate: Explain, using examples that demonstrate or clarify a point or idea
Compare: Show how items are similar as well as different; include details or examples
Contrast: Show how the items are different; include details or examples
Define: Give an accurate meaning of the term with enough detail to show you really understand it
Trace: Describe the development or progress of a particular trend, event, or process in chronological order
Evaluate: React to the topic in a logical way; discuss the merit, strengths, weaknesses, advantages, or limitations of the topic
Summarize: Cover the major points in brief form; use a sentence and paragraph form
Describe: Tell how something looks or happened, including how, who, where, and why
Justify: Give reasons that support an action, event, or policy
Criticize: Make judgments about quality or worth; include both positive and negative aspects
Prove: Demonstrate or establish that a concept or theory is correct, logical, or valid
Excerpted from Memorization and Test-Taking Strategies by Susan Gingras Fitzell.
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