Case Studies

3.20. Short Answer

3.2.3.1 Short answers

Short answer exams tend to require answers that are a sentence or paragraph long. They mainly focus on knowledge and understanding of terms and concepts of the subject. Here is a template for preparing for questions requiring short answers. Breaking unit notes into these categories as you are revising will help you to recall the information and explain it thoroughly in the exam.

During the exam, first analyse the question so you are clear about exactly what it is asking.

• Divide the question into parts if needed
• Underline the topic words (what you are to write about)
• Circle the task words (how you are to write about)

Example question: In the case study, what is meant by the term Foreign Direct Investment? Describe the difference between the flow of foreign direct investment and the stock of foreign direct investment.

A. Divide the question if needed:

• What is meant by the term Foreign Direct Investment?
• Describe the difference between the flow of foreign direct investment and the stock of foreign direct investment.

B. Underline the key words:

• What is meant by the term Foreign Direct Investment?
• Describe the difference between the flow of foreign direct investment and the stock of foreign direct investment.

C. Circle the task words:

• What is meant by the term Foreign Direct Investment?

• Describe the difference between the flow of foreign direct investment and the stock of foreign direct investment.

D. Answer the question:

• A good short answer in an exam specifically answers the question in the first sentence. The rest of the paragraph is used to explain your answer.