Command word confusion

[Deano90]

Hi all,

Bit of confusion on how to answer identify questions.

NEBOSH guidance states this as a sufficient answer:

Q.
Identify safe working practices when using a MEWP.

A.
- Sited on firm level ground
- outriggers deployed
Etc.

I've been told by the course instructor (who also marks nebosh papers) that this would be insufficient and only attract half marks.

The answer should be structured :

A.
-Sited on firm level ground - to minimise the risk of MEWP overturning or toppling
-outriggers deployed - outriggers should be deployed to provide extra stability.

To me this is an outline answer and when I questioned him on it he said answer identify and outline questions the same?

Under exam conditions I feel I could waste valuable time writing unnecessary information.

Anyone got any guidance on this they could contribute?

Thanks in advance

[Towsey]

Hi Deano

I would have said that you were correct.

The way he has told you to answer that question is in fact outline, I can only think he is telling you to answer identify and outline questions the same is to cover your back.

If NEBOSH wanted you to answer the same way for each command, surely there would have only been one command word in the first place?

Don't doubt yourself in the exam, you have clearly demonstrated your knowledge of the command words by your post so you got this!

[Towsey]

To add, it is a bit worrying he marks the papers too so now I'm worried about identify question:/

[PaulDonaldson]

Identify is word or phrase and that is sufficient. Make sure you have a copy of the action verb guidance as this clearly spells it out. If your instructor says he is marking like that it’s no wonder the marks are poor as he is clearly not following the guidance students are given by Nebosh

[Safetysmurf]

Hi Deano,

I also mark Certificate level papers and the identify command word is looking for one or possibly two words.
The way you answered would give full marks in my opinion.
The structured answer would be more akin to an outline question.
In my opinion it would be very harsh to only score half points when an identify question is looking for key words.

Regards,

SS