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Evaluate vs Explain

Forums › Ask ACCA Tutor Forums › Ask the Tutor ACCA AAA Exams › Evaluate vs Explain

  • This topic has 7 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 9 years ago by MikeLittle.
Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • September 3, 2015 at 5:24 pm #269721
    Edward
    Member
    • Topics: 21
    • Replies: 17
    • ☆

    Hi Mike,

    I was hoping you could help me once and for all in deciphering how an answer may differ if one of these verbs is used? I know there is a lot of articles on this but I still cant get my head around it.

    Evaluate Intellectual level 3 Actual
    meaning Determine the scenario in the
    light of the arguments for and against
    Key tips Mention evidence/case/point/
    issue to support evaluation.

    Explain Intellectual level 1, 2 Actual
    meaning Make an idea clear. Show
    logically how a concept is developed.
    Give the reason for an event Key tips
    Don’t just provide a list of points,
    add in some explanation of the points
    you’re discussing.

    Exam Q – June 15 – Evaluate the audit risks to be considered in the planning of Ted Co?

    I know when I answered this in June I listed out the audit risks and I provide an explanation as to why they were audit risks and in some cases further elaborating on the point.

    I’ve read the model answer a few times now and I know its different to how I answered it but just failing to make the distinction between both.

    Can you maybe try and explain to me in another way other than the above the best way to distinguish between both so that I can move on from this point as I’m really just trying to focus on improving my exam technique now.

    I’ve done all the questions in the exam kit and I continue to rush into answering the question without focusing on the verb. I know if I understood it more clearly I would be able to stop and think about what is being asked. For some reason I don’t struggle with the other verbs.

    Regards,
    Ed

    September 3, 2015 at 6:36 pm #269728
    MikeLittle
    Keymaster
    • Topics: 27
    • Replies: 23303
    • ☆☆☆☆☆

    Evaluate literally means “put a value on”. In the context of an answer to a P7 question, it means weighing up those matters that support a situation and comparing those with the contrary matters. Of course, before you can make that comparison, you need to identify those points in favour and those points against a proposition

    Explain – well, how can I explain what “explain” means? It means “provide an explanation”!

    Imagine that you are describing something to a person that has no idea what you are talking about. That’s what is expected when the verb used is “explain” – it involves drawing a word picture so that others can understand what you are talking about

    Is that any better?

    September 3, 2015 at 7:43 pm #269732
    Edward
    Member
    • Topics: 21
    • Replies: 17
    • ☆

    Thanks Mike

    So based on that, for evaluation in this scenario, would you look to establish what are the greatest audit risks are and in list them in your answer as best as possible? It would mean spending that bit more time planning and looking to weigh up how information presented is connected and whether there is arguments for and against why it is an audit risk and looking to quantify those risks also to further make your point (materiality)??

    Regards
    Ed

    September 3, 2015 at 9:31 pm #269745
    MikeLittle
    Keymaster
    • Topics: 27
    • Replies: 23303
    • ☆☆☆☆☆

    That’s about the size of it, yes!

    You mention that it would “take that much more time planning”

    Er, no! You have a specific length of time for planning, and no more (number of marks available for the (part) question divided by 2)

    Yes, it’s a tough call, but necessary

    September 3, 2015 at 10:04 pm #269752
    Edward
    Member
    • Topics: 21
    • Replies: 17
    • ☆

    Thanks Mike

    regards time for planning, I mean don’t just rush into the answer, spend that minute longer analysing exactly what’s being asked of.

    Really appreciate the above though.That’s finally cleared it up for me. Just need to go away now and practice a few and makesure I have this covered before Monday.

    You’ve been a great help these past 3 weeks so thank you.

    regards,

    ed

    September 3, 2015 at 10:16 pm #269755
    MikeLittle
    Keymaster
    • Topics: 27
    • Replies: 23303
    • ☆☆☆☆☆

    You’re welcome Ed, and good luck on Monday.

    Remember, if you have any issues over the next three days, I’ll still be here

    October 19, 2015 at 5:56 pm #277611
    Edward
    Member
    • Topics: 21
    • Replies: 17
    • ☆

    Hi Mike

    Just wanted to say I passed 2nd time round and found the above explanation key in securing the pass.

    Many Thanks for everything and look forward all going well to passing last exam now in Dec.

    Thank you
    Ed

    October 19, 2015 at 7:20 pm #277638
    MikeLittle
    Keymaster
    • Topics: 27
    • Replies: 23303
    • ☆☆☆☆☆

    Excellent Edward, and thanks for letting me know.

    Good luck in December 🙂

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