What does “Define” mean?
Set out the meaning of a word or phrase.
e.g. Define what is meant by sedimentation.
Sedimentation is a form of clarification. It is also sometimes called ‘settling’. Suspended solids in must or wine are left to fall over time with gravity.
Another way of asking the same question would be ‘What is sedimentation?’.
What does “Describe” mean?
Set out characteristics
To describe something, you will need to set out the characteristics of the subject. For example, you may be asked to write a detailed description of a process. The higher the level of relevant detail, such as correct temperatures, in the answer, the higher the grade achieved.
e.g. Describe the process of sedimentation.
Sedimentation is a form of clarification. The must is commonly chilled to around 4°C (39°F) in tank. The solids then fall to the bottom of the tank leaving a clear juice. This takes between 12–24 hours depending on the size of the tank used. The clear juice is transferred to the fermentation tank, leaving the sediment of solids at the bottom of the sedimentation tank.
What does “Comment on” mean?
State facts and give details on a given subject.
These types of questions will combine definition and description of what something is, is along with identification of what it is used for. Examples may also be required.
e.g. Comment on the process of sedimentation.
Sedimentation is a form of clarification. It is also sometimes called ‘settling’. Suspended solids in must or wine are left to fall over time with gravity.
The must is commonly chilled to around 4°C (39°F) in tank. The solids then fall to the bottom of the tank leaving a clear juice. This takes between 12–24 hours depending on the size of the tank used.
The clear juice is transferred to the fermentation tank, leaving the sediment of solids at the bottom of the sedimentation tank.
Sedimentation can be used to clarify wines as well as must.
Sedimentation is the cheapest method in terms of equipment required and is the most traditional way to clarify must or wine. It is also a batch process, which, again, costs in labour and time. For these reasons, it is most commonly used for small-volume production of premium wines.
What does “Explain” mean?
Give reasons (explain why) or to describe something so that it can be understood (explain how).
Depending on the wording for the question, an ‘explain why’ question will often require a description of what is done, how it is done and reasons why it is done in that way.
An ‘explain how’ question will often require a detailed description of what is done and how it is done or how it works. There needs to be a clear connection between the description and the reasoning (the ‘why’ or ‘how’), this can be done by using connecting words or phrases such as because…. therefore…. as a result…
e.g. Explain why the must is chilled during sedimentation.
Sedimentation is a form of clarification. It is also sometimes called ‘settling’. Suspended solids in the must are left to fall over time with gravity. The must is commonly chilled to 4°C (39°F). This is because at low temperatures the rate of oxidation is reduced, therefore the must retains its freshness and as a result will retain its primary fruit characteristics.
Another way of asking the same question would be ‘Why is the must chilled during sedimentation?’
e.g. Explain how the process of sedimentation is used to clarify must.
The must is commonly chilled to around 4°C (39°F) in tank. As a result, the risk of oxidation and the threat of spoilage organisms ruining the must is reduced. Over time, any solids in the must fall to the bottom of the tank because of gravity. This leaves a clear juice at the top of the tank, but a sediment at the bottom. The clear juice is transferred to the fermentation tank, in a process called racking, leaving the sediment of solids at the bottom of the sedimentation tank. The solids at the bottom of the
tank may be filtered by cross flow or depth filters because this would extract additional clear juice.
This answer describes the process of sedimentation in a way that the reader can understand why or how every step is taking place. Another way of asking the same question would be ‘How is the process of sedimentation used to clarify must?’
What does “Apply” mean?
Use relevant knowledge in a new context
Apply’ is a command verb that is unlikely to appear in an examination paper as the context needs to be clear for a student to answer the question. If a question asked, ‘Apply knowledge of winemaking.’ it would be very difficult to know what was required, where to start and where to finish. Application questions are more likely to be questions where ‘how’ and ‘why’ are used in the question; the questions will focus on the ability to make connections between options and product in a given context. The skill of application may also be tested in evaluation questions.
What does “Compare” mean?
Identify similarities and differences
To compare, you will be required to analyse what is the same and what is different about two or more subjects or processes. You will need to write about the similarities and differences between the subjects of the question. Connecting words or phrases such as however… although… yet…
nevertheless… in contrast… may help you to demonstrate that you are making a comparison.
There need not be an even number of similarities and differences between the subjects or processes.
Q. Compare two different methods used to clarify juice prior to fermentation.
Identify them – Two methods used to clarify juice are sedimentation and centrifugation.
(As this question allows you to choose what methods of clarification you compare, you will first need to make clear what methods you have chosen.)
**Describe what they have in common **– Both methods are used in white wine production to remove suspended solids in juice prior to fermentation and will require the juice to be protected from oxygen during the clarification process.
**Describe and explain how they are different **– Each uses a different method to clear the must of solids. Sedimentation relies on gravity to allow the solids to fall to the bottom of the tank. The clear juice will then be racked into a new vessel. In contrast centrifugation uses a machine that comprises a rapidly rotating container which uses centrifugal force to separate the solids from the liquids.
Sedimentation is a cheaper process because it does not require additional specialist equipment or the purchase of additives, whereas, a centrifuge is expensive to buy. Sedimentation is a time-consuming batch process which works most effectively in small tanks therefore it is best suited to small volume production. In contrast centrifugation is a continuous process suited to the processing of large volumes of must quickly for high volume production.
The methods used to minimise the must’s exposure to oxygen may differ for each method. To minimise oxidation during sedimentation the juice will be chilled to around 4°C. Although centrifugation increases the must’s exposure to oxygen, the flushing of the machine with inert gas will minimise the risk.
What does “Examine” mean?
Break something down and consider each part in detail
Examine may be used in D6, but won’t appear in D1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 examinations.
What does “Evaluate” mean?
Judge the quality, importance, amount or value of something
To evaluate, you will need to consider the advantages and disadvantages or strengths and weaknesses of something. The ‘something’ that requires evaluation may be a process, a choice or an objective, amongst other things. Often, questions will be set within a context and you will need to base your evaluation on that particular context – hence, evaluation questions are also often application questions. It is also important that you explain why a particular factor or characteristic may be an advantage or disadvantage in that context. If the evaluation is set within a context, you should reach a judgement based on your evaluation.
Answers to evaluation questions have multiple parts. A useful technique for answering these questions is set out in the graphic below:
What does “Assess” mean?
Assess is a synonym for Evaluate
What does “Discuss” mean?
Construct an argument that considers and respondes to an ample range of materials
Discuss will not be used in D1-5 exams, but may appear in D6.
What are the knowledge command verbs?
- Define
- Describe
- Identify
- Name
- Comment on
- Give examples
- Outline
What are the Comprehension command verbs?
- Explain how
- Explain why
What are the application command verbs?
- Explain how
- Explain why
and - Give reasons
What are the analysis command verbs?
- Analyse (tasting only)
- Compare
What are the evaluation command verbs?
- Assess
- Evaluate
- Conclude (tasting only)
