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Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7

Understanding question words


It is important to look for the question words (the words that tell you what to do) to correctly understand what the examiner is asking. Once you have read the question once circle the question word and then underline any other important key words. The combination of the circled and underlined words will tell you exactly what is being asked.

Use these explanations as a guide when answering questions:


QUESTION WORD WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Analyse Separate, examine and interpret
Calculate This means a numerical (number) answer is required. You must show your working, especially where two or more steps are involved.
Classify Group things based on common characteristics
Compare Point out or show both similarities and differences between things, concepts or phenomena
Define Give a clear meaning
Describe State in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the main points of a structure/process/phenomenon/investigation
Determine To calculate something, or to discover the answer by examining evidence
Differentiate Use differences to qualify categories
Discuss Consider all information and reach a conclusion
Explain Make clear; interpret and spell out
Identify Name the essential characteristics
Label Identify on a diagram or drawing
List Write a list of items, with no additional detail
Mention Refer to relevant points
Name Give the name (proper noun) of something
State/Give Write down information without discussion
Suggest Offer an explanation or a solution
Tabulate Draw a table and indicate the answers as direct pairs

Preschool, Grade R
Materials:
Plastic bottles/containers with lids
Paper or a funnel
Rice, pasta, screws, beans, beads (any small, hard objects which can be placed in the bottles/containers)
Stickers for decorating
 
Instructions: Using a funnel or a piece of paper rolled to act as a funnel, fill the bottles/containers with... Read the full article
Preschool, Grade R, Grade 1
Materials:
Toys/household objects that can be used to measure length and height (e.g. Legos, blocks, books, apples, spoons)
 
Instructions:
Have your child use different household objects to measure length and height. Determine how many Legos tall the couch is, or have your child lie down and see how many apples tall... Read the full article
Preschool, Grade R
Materials:
Cookie cutters in various geometrical shapes (If you don’t have these, you can use a knife)
Your child’s favourite “cut-able” foods – pancakes, cheese slices, fruit, bread
 
Instructions:
Using cookie cutters, cut shapes into your child’s favourite foods. Discuss the... Read the full article
Preschool
Finding fun activities for your children that are educational but engaging doesn’t need to feel like work. In this blog series, I’ll be giving you lots of activity ideas for children of all ages, from toddlers to Grade 3.  

TODDLERS: (ages 1-3)

Make a Shape Book

Materials:
Coloured... Read the full article
Preschool, Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7
When your children lose interest in learning, you may find yourself wondering how you’re ever going to get them excited and motivated again. These tips will help you get them fired up and back on track! Be passionate about your teaching. Even if you’re having a bad day, be expressive, smile and put excitement into your voice.... Read the full article

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