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Understanding and Answering Exam Questions
Key Strategies
1. Identifying Key Terms (Action Words and Concepts)
o Action Words: In linguistics, keywords might include “define,” “explain,” “illustrate,” “compare,” “analyze.”
o Key Concepts: Watch for concepts like “phonology,” “syntax,” “semantics,” “pragmatics,” “morphology,” or specific theories like “Chomskyan linguistics” or “speech act theory.”
Example:
o Question: “Define and explain the concept of code-switching.”
 Action word: “Define” — Give a clear definition of code-switching, followed by an explanation with examples (e.g., switching between languages depending on context or audience).
 Keywords: “Code-switching” — Focus on the definition and real-world examples of code-switching.
2. Paraphrasing the Question Rephrasing the question helps ensure clarity and focus.
Example:
o Question: “What is the relationship between language and thought according to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?”
Paraphrased: “How does the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggest that the language we speak affects the way we think?”
3. Understanding the Scope
o Broad Question: “Discuss the different theories of language acquisition.”
You should provide an overview of several theories, such as nativism (Chomsky), learning theory (Skinner), and social interactionist theory.
o Narrow Question: “Define phonology and provide an example of a phonological rule.”
4. Answer Structure:
o Introduction: Define key terms or provide context.
o Body: Break down the theory or concept into its components. Provide examples.

Introduction: Phonology is the study of sound systems in language.
Body: Discuss phonemes, allophones, and phonological processes such as assimilation or vowel reduction.
Conclusion:
III. Discourse Analysis: Understanding and Answering Exam Questions (10 minutes)
Key Strategies for Discourse Questions:
1. Identifying Key Terms (Discourse Markers, Intertextuality, etc.)
o Action Words: “Analyze,” “examine,” “identify,” and “describe.”
o Key Terms: Discourse markers, power dynamics, context, coherence, speech acts, or intertextuality.
Example:
o Question: “Analyze the role of discourse markers in maintaining coherence in a conversation.”
 Action word: “Analyze” — Focus on how discourse markers (e.g., "so," "well," "you know") guide conversation and maintain flow.
 Keywords: “Discourse markers,” “coherence” — Explain how these markers signal shifts in topic or meaning.
2. Paraphrasing the Question
Example:
o Question: “How does power manifest in everyday discourse?”
 Paraphrased: “In what ways do speakers show authority or control through everyday conversation?”
3. Understanding the Scope
o Broad Question: “Discuss the impact of context on discourse analysis.”
o Narrow Question: “What role do pragmatics play in understanding conversational implicature?”
4. Answer Structure:
o Introduction: Brief explanation of discourse theory or key concepts.
o Body: Identify specific examples (conversations, media, etc.) and analyze them in terms of discourse strategies.
o Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and how they answer the question.
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IV. Translation Studies: Understanding and Answering Exam Questions (10 minutes)
Key Strategies for Translation Questions:
1. Identifying Key Terms (Translation Theories, Strategies, and Practices)
o Action Words: “Analyze,” “compare,” “evaluate,” “discuss.”
o Key Terms: "Equivalence," "dynamic vs. formal translation," "cultural context," "skopos theory," etc.
Example:
o Question: “Discuss the concept of 'dynamic equivalence' in translation theory.”
 Action word: “Discuss” — Provide an in-depth look at dynamic equivalence (Nida), comparing it with formal equivalence.
 Keywords: “Dynamic equivalence” — Emphasize the focus on meaning over form in translation.
2. Paraphrasing the Question
Example:
o Question: “Evaluate the challenges of translating idiomatic expressions.”
 Paraphrased: “What challenges do translators face when translating idioms from one language to another?”
3. Understanding the Scope
o Broad Question: “Discuss the importance of cultural context in translation.”
o Narrow Question: “What is the difference between formal and dynamic equivalence in translation?”
4. Answer Structure:
o Introduction: Brief explanation of the theory or concept.
o Body: Provide examples from different languages, focusing on challenges in translation.
o Conclusion: Tie the discussion back to how the question’s focus is addressed.
Example Answer:
o Question: “How does Nida’s dynamic equivalence theory affect the translation of biblical texts?”
 Introduction: Dynamic equivalence focuses on conveying meaning rather than direct translation of words.
 Body: Analyze how dynamic equivalence alters the translation of key biblical phrases, providing examples.
 Conclusion: Dynamic equivalence is essential for making the Bible accessible and understandable in different cultures and languages.