How to Answer 'Discuss' and 'Evaluate' Questions in ACCA
'Discuss' and 'evaluate' demand more than description — they need both sides and a judgement. Here's how to answer them for full marks.
Higher-level requirement verbs like 'discuss', 'evaluate', 'assess' and 'critically appraise' are where a lot of marks are won and lost. Students often treat them like 'explain' or 'describe' — laying out one side of an argument — and then wonder why they scored halfway. These verbs demand analysis, balance and a conclusion.
What each verb is really asking
- 'Explain' / 'describe' — set out what something is and how it works. Mostly one-directional.
- 'Discuss' — present arguments on more than one side of an issue.
- 'Evaluate' / 'assess' — weigh the arguments and reach a supported judgement.
- 'Critically appraise' — go further, questioning assumptions and considering limitations.
A structure that earns the higher marks
- Make a point in favour, applied to the scenario.
- Make a counter-point or limitation, also applied to the scenario.
- Weigh them — explain which is more significant here and why.
- Conclude with a clear, justified judgement rather than sitting on the fence.
The word 'evaluate' with no conclusion, or 'discuss' with only one side, will always leave marks on the table. Match your depth to the verb and you climb the marking grid.
Verb technique clicks when you practise and see where your answer fell short of what the verb demanded. The 50% Club marks your practice answers against the official ACCA scheme, flagging when you've described where you should have evaluated — so you learn to give each verb exactly the depth it needs.