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GUIDELINES TO ANSWERING THEORY PAPERS

 

The following are sample questions for Speech & Drama and Public Speaking Theory.  The specimen questions illustrate the key words frequently used in Theory Examinations.

 

SPEECH AND DRAMA

 

1.		Describe the material you would use as a stimulus and/or accompaniment to a lesson in which you want young  children to experience and enjoy expressive words, sounds and movement.  State the age and number of students.
2.		Choose two plays that have been written in New Zealand by different playwrights and which have been successful on the New Zealand stage.  Analyse the reasons for their success in this country and estimate their appeal for overseas audiences.

 

PUBLIC SPEAKING

 

1.	(a)	Define and explain six important principles you would teach to a group who want to learn about Speaking.  State the  age and number of students.
	(b)	Comment also on how you would teach the principles you mention.
2.	(a)	Discuss the importance of the qualities of energy and confidence to the art of successful projection by a public speaker.
	(b)	How would you develop  these skills?

                 

             

   

An extended Glossary is…

 

DEFINE                          EXPLAIN                   COMMENT

DISCUSS                       COMPARE                 CONTRAST  

EVALUATE                   OUTLINE                   ANALYSE

ILLUSTRATE                SUGGEST                   DESCRIBE

 

which may be expanded to…

 

DEFINE:	Declare the exact meaning or scope of……
EXPLAIN:	Make known in detail.  Define and explain are frequently used together.  When the question then asks for comment on specific aspects then opinions, attitudes and methods of approach are required.
DISCUSS:	This term invites candidates to consider the advantages and disadvantages posed by a problem or statement.  It also calls for the reasons on which given opinions are based.
COMPARE-CONTRAST:	Often these terms are used in conjunction.  To compare means to show similarities; to contrast means to show dissimilarities.
EVALUATE:	In the answer it is important to show if you agree or disagree with the statement and to support opinions with reasons and examples.
OUTLINE:	An outline must provide sufficient information for the examiner to understand the plan proposed.  Such devices as diagrams or flow-charts may be used, if appropriate, for clear exposition of intent.  Examples from texts should support such methods.
ANALYSE:	This involves taking prose or poetry apart to find its constituent elements, to find out how particular and general effects have been achieved.
ILLUSTRATE:	Examples must be given to support the opinions offered in the answer.  If illustrations are taken from practical experience or intimate knowledge of the work(s) being studied, weight is added to their value.
SUGGEST:	Candidates are being offered the chance to show practical experience, imagination, creativity and thorough understanding, by proposing methods of approach to particular problems or issues.
COMMENT:	Write explanatory notes on…
DESCRIBE:	Put into words the characteristics of…
BALANCE OF ANSWERS	Where a question is posed in several parts, care must be taken to apportion the answer equally among them.  In setting questions, examiners endeavour to give equal weight to each section of a multi-part question.