Exam questions are different based on the grammatical expression used. In any exam, what a lecturer wants to know is if you understand what you write. This is why you have to use some illustrations and examples where necessary. For instance, if I ask two students: what is a computer?
Answer
Student 1: A computer is an electronic machine that can store, retrieve, and process data
Student 2: A computer is an electronic machine that can store, retrieve, and process data e.g Desktop computer, calculator, and mobile phone.
Who did you think will get the highest mark? Of course student 2 because with his example I now know he understand what a computer truly is and he can identify one when he sees it. And this is how lecturers generally view your answers in any exam or test.
Here are some question formats and how to answer them
1. List: This kind of question requires you to JUST LIST those particular items
For example, a question that reads: List 3 items in the kitchen
Should have answers like: a. Knife
b. Pot
c. Stove

2. Explain: This type of question requires you to write a long article on the specific question. If you also have the knowledge of any diagram, you should draw, in this case. As this will signify that you fully understand the question and will earn you more mark.
3. List and explain: This requires you to first list the items and then explain them one after the other. If you only explain without first listing, you will not get the full mark.
4. Illustrate: [/b]This should also be answered the same way as explain questions but most importantly with diagrams.
[b]5. Differentiate: The best way to differentiate between two features or things, is in tabular form. Presenting your answer in tabular form will make your work neat and it will make it more presentable and readable by the lecturer.
6. Contrast: This is similar to differentiate questions
7. Compare: In this type of question, you have to establish the similarity between two things. A tabular presentation is also good for this type of question as it will make your work neat and easily understandable.
8. Compare and contrast: In this type of question, you will have two different tables; one for comparing and the other one for contrasting.
9. Define: [/b]This requires you to describe the subject of the question and give some examples. This does not necessarily require you to draw. Two to three examples after your definition will show that you truly understand the subject.
[b]10. Elaborate or expatiate: This question requires a long article of answer as the lecturer or tutor wants you to fully dive into the subject matter. So, you have to literarily empty your brain on the sheet, to get 100% of the allotted mark.
11. Discuss: This is similar to the expatiate question, but not into much detail. Moderate explanation is required in this case.
12. What is: What is question usually requires straight answers and in some case a diagram.
13. Why: You have to answer this question the way a lawyer will defend his client who is guilty in the court of law to make sure that his client is not penalized. It is like a judge asking a lawyer why his client should not be hanged. You will bet in this case that the lawyer will have to provide all possible reasons to defend his client. This is the way you should answer this type of question

Source: http://blog.offkrent.com/?p=59