Introduction
Understanding and mastering examination techniques is crucial for achieving success in academic assessments. It involves not only knowing the subject matter but also being able to apply it effectively in exam conditions. This guide provides an overview of key terms and practical tips to help you excel in your exams.
Key Examination Terms
When approaching exam questions, it’s essential to understand the specific instructions given. Here are some common terms you might encounter:
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Compare | Look for similarities and differences between. | Compare the effectiveness of vaccination programs in different countries. |
| Contrast | Set in opposition in order to bring out the differences. | Contrast the outcomes of public vs. private healthcare systems. |
| Criticise | Give your judgement about the merit of theories or opinions or about the truth of facts, and back your judgement by a discussion of the evidence. | Criticise the implementation of a national health insurance program. |
| Define | Set down the precise meaning of a word or phrase. Show that the distinctions implied in the definition are necessary. | Define the term “epidemiology.” |
| Describe | Give a detailed or graphic account of | Describe the process of conducting a community health assessment. |
| Discuss | Investigate or examine by argument, sift and debate, giving reasons pro and con | Discuss the impact of environmental factors on public health. |
| Evaluate | Make an appraisal of the worth of something, in the light of its truth or utility; include to a lesser degree, your personal opinion. | Evaluate the effectiveness of a smoking cessation program. |
| Explain | To make plain, to interpret, and to account for. | Explain how a specific disease spreads within a community. |
| Illustrate | Use a figure or diagram to explain or clarify, or make clear by the use of concrete examples. | Illustrate the concept of herd immunity using a graph. |
| Interpret | Expound the meaning of public health data, often including your judgment. | Interpret the results of a study on the impact of air pollution on respiratory health. |
| Justify | Show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions. | Justify the use of mandatory vaccination policies. |
| Outline | Give the main features or general principles of a subject omitting minor details, and emphasizing structure and arrangement. | Outline the structure of a national health strategy. |
| Relate | a) To narrate. More usually, in examinations. b) Show how things are connected to each other, and to what extent they are alike, or affect each other. | Relate the concept of social determinants to health outcomes. |
| Review | To make a survey of, examining the subject critically. | Review the historical development of global health initiatives. |
| State | Present in brief, clear form. | State the primary cause of a specific disease. |
| Summarise | Give a concise account of the chief points or substance of a matter, omitting details and examples. | Summarise the key findings of a research paper on nutrition and health. |
| Trace | Follow the development or history of a topic from some point or origin | Trace the evolution of HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention strategies |
* This list is adapted from that given by Bird, C. and Bird, D.M., Leaining More Effective Study, New York, Appleton-Century-Crifts, 1945, pp 195-198.
First used by Prof Jason Teoh in 16/11/1976 for MBBS IV (Class of 1973/78) teachings.
Practical Tips for Exam Success
- Read Questions Carefully: Ensure you understand what is being asked before starting to answer.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely to attempt all questions.
- Answer Structure: Organize your answers to ensure clarity and coherence.
Examples
Case Studies 1
You are asked to evaluate the impact of community-based health programs on reducing health disparities in a Public Health exam.
Approach
- Understand the Question: Recognise that the question requires an evaluation, which means assessing the value or worth of community-based health programs.
- Structure the Answer: Begin by defining what is meant by “health disparities” and “community-based health programs.” Then, discuss both positive and negative impacts, such as improved access to care vs. challenges in resource allocation.
- Provide Evidence: Use studies or data to support your arguments. For example, cite research showing that community-based programs can reduce health inequities by increasing access to healthcare services.
- Conclude: Summarise your findings and provide a judgment on the overall impact, considering both sides of the argument.
Example Answer
“Community-based health programs have a significant impact on reducing health disparities. On the positive side, they enhance access to healthcare services for underserved populations. However, challenges such as limited resources and coordination issues can hinder their effectiveness. Studies have shown that well-implemented programs can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced inequities. Overall, while community-based health programs offer substantial benefits, their success depends on careful planning and resource management.”
Case Studies 2
You are asked to compare and contrast the outcomes of public health interventions in urban vs. rural settings.
Approach
- Understand the Question: Recognize that the question requires a comparison and contrast, which means identifying both similarities and differences.
- Structure the Answer: Begin by outlining the common goals of public health interventions in both settings. Then, discuss differences such as access to resources, population density, and specific health challenges.
- Provide Evidence: Use data or case studies to illustrate these differences. For example, discuss how urban areas might have better access to healthcare facilities but face challenges like overcrowding, while rural areas may have fewer resources but less congestion.
- Conclude: Summarise your findings and highlight the implications for public health policy.
Example Answer
“Public health interventions in urban and rural settings share the common goal of improving health outcomes, but they differ significantly in their implementation and outcomes. Urban areas often have better access to healthcare facilities but face challenges like overcrowding and higher costs. In contrast, rural areas have fewer resources but may benefit from closer community ties. For instance, urban interventions might focus on managing chronic diseases, while rural interventions might prioritize access to basic healthcare services. Overall, understanding these differences is crucial for tailoring public health strategies to specific settings.”