In recent years the HSC PDHPE exams have begun to use the common terms: what, how, why, and to what extent. You are expected to understand what these common terms mean, and then work out how best to answer the question that would use them.
What
As a common term what can be used in various ways, including: as an adverb or adjective, as a noun or pronoun and idiom or even a conjunction. The best way to understand the term is to start with the noun:
the true nature or identity of something, or the sum of its characteristics[1]
This makes what more commonly used for questions that focus more on the nature or characteristics of something. This lines up quite nicely with a “Describe” style question where you are required to provide characteristics and features of. However, it can make its way towards an “Analyse” question as you may be required to identify relationships between the components.
How
How is one of the common terms used in HSC PDHPE exams, and like what can be used in a variety of ways. The noun means:
a question concerning the way or manner in which something is done or achieved.[2]
How, therefore, is a common term often used instead of explain or its superior analyse. This is because in order to tell someone how something is achieved, you need to identify what has caused it or what has made something happen. This is very much a cause and effect style of question. In fact our BOSTES definition of explain has “provide why and/or how”. As such, how, will normally suit your higher mark questions.
Why
Why tends to be a bit more self explanatory as a common terms. As a noun why is:
a question concerning the cause or reasons for which something is done or achieved. [3]
Most clearly why is an explain style question. You are being asked to relate the cause and effect in a why question. If the marks are high, then the question can move into the analyse, justify or even evaluate as each of these also require you to relate cause and effect as you answer the question. As such, I suggest using your marks to guide you. I would explain for 8 marks or below and depending on the question, and other hints within it, I would evaluate, justify or analyse for 8-12 marks.
I should note that at times why has been used for questions of 3-4 marks. These questions often do not allow enough space to explain something and should really have been a what questions rather than a how and should be treated as a outline or discuss.
To what extent
To what extent includes the word what, defined above. To what extent requires you to make a value judgement and really focuses on the beginning of the what definition above “the TRUE nature or identity”. Therefore, you need to say if something is true or how true in such a question. This then lands such a question as an evaluate as this requires you to make a judgement based on criteria. Therefore, you might say that taping works well (judgment) to prevent re-injury because it limits movement, provides support and keeps the athlete aware of the joint and its movement.
You may also like to see the comment by “dinomyte” on the 22, March 2014 here.
[1] http://www.dictionary.com/browse/what
[2] http://www.dictionary.com/browse/how?s=t
