Top 200 Vocabulary Word List for the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) | Must Know Words for Common Examination Instructions

The 200-word examination instruction list

ESAT instructions tell you which quantity, relationship or scientific result to work out. Mathematics 1 is compulsory. Your course determines the other modules, so start with the modules on your application and practise the wording for those subjects.

The numbered bank includes question directions, response formats and vocabulary for interpreting the task. Use the official instructions for the paper or test version you are taking.

Exam requirements · Worked examples · Fencing Method

ESAT modules, numerical directions and physical quantities

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
1	Engineering and Science Admissions Test	Use the modules required by the institution and course on your application.
2	Mathematics 1	Use the compulsory ESAT module and check its listed topic scope.
3	Mathematics 2	Use the separate mathematics module only if it is required for your course combination.
4	Biology module	Apply the biological concepts and skills listed for this module.
5	Chemistry module	Apply the chemical concepts and calculations listed for this module.
6	Physics module	Apply the physical principles and calculations listed for this module.
7	Required module combination	Confirm which modules your chosen institution requires before booking and practising.
8	27 questions	Use the published question count for one standard module.
9	40 minutes	Use the standard time allowance for each module.
10	No calculator	Choose methods that can be carried out without a calculator.
11	No penalty for incorrect answers	Use the official scoring rule when deciding how to handle an uncertain answer.
12	Order of magnitude	Estimate the relevant power-of-ten scale.
13	Unit conversion	Convert quantities to consistent units before comparing or calculating.
14	Dimensional consistency	Check that the units on both sides of a relationship agree.
15	Proportional reasoning	Use the stated direct or inverse relationship to work out how a change affects another quantity.
16	Scale factor	Use the multiplier between corresponding quantities and apply the correct power when needed.
17	Exact expression	Keep the result in a form that preserves its exact value.
18	Reasonable approximation	Estimate at a precision that can distinguish the options.
19	Read the axes	Identify the quantities, units and intervals on a graph before using a value.
20	Gradient from a graph	Calculate change in the vertical quantity per change in the horizontal quantity.
21	Area under a graph	Use the area only where the graph’s quantities make it the requested accumulated value.
22	Intercept	Identify where the graph meets the named axis and what that value represents.
23	Resultant force	Combine forces with their directions to find the overall force.
24	Equilibrium	Check the conditions for balanced effects in the stated system.
25	Conservation of energy	Account for changes between stores and transfers within the defined system.
26	Power	Use the rate of energy transfer or work done in the stated context.
27	Density	Use mass divided by volume and keep units consistent.
28	Pressure	Use the relation appropriate to the specified force, area or fluid context.
29	Current	Identify the rate of flow of charge in the specified part of a circuit.
30	Potential difference	Use the energy transferred per unit charge or the applicable circuit relationship.
31	Resistance	Use the given or inferred relationship between potential difference and current.
32	Series circuit	Apply the relationships for components along one path.

Science data, controls and evidence

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
33	Parallel circuit	Use the relationships for separate branches and the specified nodes.
34	Balance the equation	Use coefficients so the count of each element agrees on both sides.
35	Amount in moles	Convert between mass, particles or volume and amount as the item requires.
36	Mole ratio	Use the coefficients of the balanced equation to relate the quantities.
37	Limiting reactant	Identify the reactant that is used up first under the stated conditions.
38	Concentration	Relate amount to solution volume using the specified units.
39	Dilution	Account for the change in concentration when solvent is added without changing solute amount.
40	Percentage yield	Divide the actual amount by the theoretical amount and multiply by 100.
41	Net movement	Identify the overall direction after accounting for movement in both directions.
42	Control group	Use the baseline comparison to interpret the treatment effect.
43	Biological mechanism	Choose the process that accounts for the specific observation.
44	Sampling method	Check how the observations or organisms were selected.
45	Measured variable	Identify what was recorded as the outcome.
46	Independent variable	Identify what was deliberately changed in the investigation.
47	Confounding factor	Identify another factor that could explain the observed difference.
48	Rate of reaction	Use the change in amount or other measure per unit of time.
49	Prediction from the model	Use the stated assumptions to infer the expected result.
50	Most consistent result	Choose the option that fits the data and the named conditions.
51	Convert to SI units	Express the quantities in consistent SI units when the formula or options require them.
52	Mass versus weight	Use kilograms for mass and the gravitational force in newtons for weight.
53	Velocity change	Subtract the initial velocity from the final velocity with the stated direction convention.
54	Resulting acceleration	Use the net force and mass or the change in velocity over time as appropriate.
55	Conservation of charge	Check that the total charge is unchanged under the stated process.
56	Closed system	Use the system boundary specified by the problem before tracking exchanges.
57	Potential energy change	Use the difference in height or other state variable given in the problem.
58	Chemical equation coefficients	Use the whole-number multipliers relating the reactants and products.
59	Relative formula mass	Add the relative atomic masses in the formula using each element’s subscript.
60	Empirical formula	Use the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms consistent with the data.
61	Excess reagent	Identify the reagent remaining when the limiting reagent is used up.
62	Energy profile	Read the relative energy of reactants, products and any maximum shown.
63	Diffusion gradient	Use the concentration difference to determine the net movement in the stated model.
64	Enzyme activity	Compare the measured rate under the named conditions.
65	Food chain	Use the stated feeding relationships to trace the direction of transfer.
66	Genotype versus phenotype	Distinguish the genetic information from the characteristic observed.
67	Mean and spread	Use the appropriate measure to compare typical values and variability.
68	Read the data range	Check whether a conclusion is inside the values actually tested.

Mathematical, graphical and scientific reasoning

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
69	New information	Apply the added fact to the existing argument or model without rewriting the original facts.
70	Model prediction	Find what the proposed explanation would lead you to expect under the stated conditions.
71	Effect of inhibition	Use the named target and pathway to predict what changes when its activity is reduced.
72	Mechanism of action	Identify the steps by which the named factor produces the stated result.
73	Reference sample	Use the group or material specified as the comparison standard.
74	Control condition	Check which treatment or factor is absent in the comparison.
75	Positive control	Use the comparison expected to show that the procedure can detect an effect.
76	Negative control	Use the comparison expected to show what happens without the target effect.
77	Baseline measurement	Use the reading taken before the stated intervention or change.
78	Normalise to	Compare measurements relative to the specified reference or starting value.
79	Fold change	Divide the later or treatment value by the comparison value as the item defines it.
80	Experimental readout	Identify what the reported measurement actually indicates.
81	Assay	Identify the procedure measuring the stated substance, activity or outcome.
82	Specificity	Check whether the method or effect distinguishes the intended target from alternatives.
83	Direction of change	State or select whether the result increases, decreases or remains similar.
84	Magnitude	Consider how large the change is in the requested units.
85	Approximate calculation	Use values and rounding that distinguish the available answers.
86	Dimensional analysis	Track units through the calculation to see whether the result has the requested dimension.
87	Direct relationship	Check whether both quantities change in the same direction under the stated model.
88	Inverse relationship	Check whether an increase in one quantity accompanies a decrease in the other.
89	Group under test	Use the group identified by the procedure or graph.
90	Compare under fixed conditions	Keep the measurement conditions the same when comparing results.
91	Experimental manipulation	Identify what investigators deliberately changed.
92	Operational definition	Use the measurable rule the study gives for the concept.
93	Selection bias	Check whether the way participants were included affects the comparison.
94	Alternative hypothesis	Identify a different explanation or prediction the study could test.
95	Control for	Account for a factor that could otherwise distort the comparison.
96	Assess the size of the difference	Check the reported change against the scale or variability given.
97	Identify the reference group	Find the comparison used to isolate the change attributed to the intervention.
98	Predict the outcome	State the expected result in the conditions described.
99	Justify your prediction	Connect your proposed outcome to a mechanism or evidence that makes it plausible.
100	Identify the independent variable	Name the factor manipulated or selected as input.
101	Identify the dependent variable	Name the outcome that was measured.
102	Sample mean	Use the average of the values in the specified sample.
103	Standard error	Interpret it as uncertainty in an estimated statistic where the question uses that measure.
104	Control treatment	Use the treatment intended to provide a reference comparison.
105	Support the claim	Give evidence that bears on the exact claim in the question.
106	Explain the result	Connect the observation to a biological, historical or other applicable reason.
107	Experimental design	Use the stated groups, conditions and measurements to judge the experiment.
108	Sample size	Check how many observations or individuals contribute to the result.
109	Controlled variable	Identify a factor kept constant to help isolate the tested relationship.
110	Raw data	Use the measurements as originally collected.
111	Processed data	Use values calculated, combined or transformed from the original readings.
112	Uncertainty	State or interpret the estimated doubt associated with a measurement or value.
113	Absolute uncertainty	Express the estimated uncertainty in the same units as the quantity.
114	Percentage uncertainty	Express the uncertainty relative to the measured value as a percentage.
115	Outlier	Identify an observation unusually far from the general pattern.
116	Anomalous result	Recognise a result inconsistent with the main pattern or expected relationship.
117	Reliability	Consider whether a result or method gives consistent findings.
118	Resolution	Identify the smallest change that the device or scale can display.
119	Reproducibility	Consider whether results agree when the method is repeated under changed conditions.
120	Correlation	Describe how variables vary together within the data.
121	Causation	Explain how one factor produces a change in another when evidence supports it.
122	Representative sample	Check whether the selected cases reflect the population of interest.
123	Model	Use a simplified mathematical or conceptual representation to address the task.
124	Parameter	Identify a quantity that sets a feature of the model.
125	Domain	Give the set of allowed input values in the context.
126	Interpolate	Estimate within the range covered by the data.
127	Extrapolate	Estimate outside the observed range using an assumed pattern.
128	Fit	Judge how closely a model agrees with the data.
129	Difference from predicted value	Compare the observation with the model’s expected value in the same units.
130	Rate of change	Find the change in one quantity per unit change in another.
131	Approximation	Give a suitably rounded or estimated value.
132	Significant figures	Give the requested number of meaningful digits.
133	Deductive reasoning	Show how a conclusion follows from premises or prior results.
134	Alternative cause	Identify another event that could produce the observed result.
135	Analogous case	Find a comparable case that preserves the relevant relationship.
136	Fair comparison	Check that a difference can reasonably be attributed to the tested factor.
137	Sufficient information	Decide whether the facts supplied establish one required conclusion.
138	Opposite outcome	Check which observation would run against the model’s prediction.
139	Interpretation of findings	Choose a conclusion that fits the measurements and the study design.
140	Reason and example	Show how the example demonstrates the point made by the reason.
141	Reasoning flaw	Locate the exact step where the evidence fails to support the conclusion.
142	Alternative explanation	Consider a different reason that could account for the same observation.
143	Strength of support	Judge how directly a detail bears on the exact claim.
144	Best illustrates	Choose the example or quotation that most directly shows the idea.
145	If true	Assume the answer choice is true while judging its effect on the claim.
146	Function of a component	Identify what role the named part plays in the stated system.
147	Cause and effect	Choose a link that shows one event producing or explaining the other.
148	Support the prediction	Choose evidence that agrees with the model’s prediction.
149	Select	Choose only the number of options requested.
150	Record	Write the result in the space and form provided.
151	Give	Supply the requested fact, example or result.
152	Show that	Give valid steps that reach the result already stated.
153	Check the calculated option	Test whether the number and unit fit the stem.

Core instructions and checks

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
154	Recognise	Find a familiar feature in a new example.
155	Identify	Name or pick out the item the question specifies.
156	Match	Pair each item with the option that corresponds to it.
157	Complete	Fill in what is missing while keeping the supplied structure.
158	Label	Attach the correct name to the indicated part.
159	Locate	Find the specified detail, point or region.
160	Indicate	Make the chosen feature or answer clear.
161	Answer	Respond directly to the question being asked.
162	State	Express the required point directly and clearly.
163	Name	Supply the correct term, person or item.
164	List	Set out the requested items separately.
165	Define	Give the precise meaning used in the subject or question.
166	Describe	Report the relevant characteristics, events or pattern.
167	Outline	Give the main steps or points in brief.
168	Summarise	Select the central points and leave out minor details.
169	Explain	Connect the result to its cause, mechanism or reasoning.
170	Compare	Set the items side by side on the same relevant feature.
171	Contrast	Show how the items differ on a shared point of comparison.
172	Analyse	Break down the evidence and explain how its parts relate.
173	Interpret	Say what a statement, result or display means in context.
174	Infer	Use clues to reach a conclusion the material implies.
175	Predict	Use available evidence to say what is likely to happen.
176	Suggest	Offer a plausible answer suited to the information given.
177	Justify	Give evidence for the claim and explain how that evidence supports, qualifies or defends it.
178	Evaluate	Weigh relevant evidence or criteria before reaching a judgment.
179	Assess	Judge the extent, value or strength of something using evidence.
180	Discuss	Develop a structured response that considers the relevant issues.
181	Distinguish	Give the feature that lets the reader tell two things apart.
182	Support	Supply evidence that helps establish the claim.
183	Illustrate	Make an idea clear with a relevant example or diagram.
184	Demonstrate	Show how a fact, process or result can be established.
185	Determine	Work from the given information to establish an answer.
186	Calculate	Use numbers or other given information to work out a result.
187	Estimate	Find an approximate answer using the available clues.
188	Check	Test the answer against the original instruction or condition.
189	Arrange	Put items into the order or grouping requested.
190	Sequence	Put stages into a meaningful order.
191	Classify	Assign each item to a category using the stated rule.
192	Group	Put items with a shared feature together.
193	Order	Sort items by the criterion given in the prompt.
194	Omit	Leave out the indicated item or detail.
195	Include	Make sure the requested part appears in the response.
196	Exclude	Keep the named item or category outside your answer.
197	Refer to	Use the specified passage, figure or notes when responding.
198	Based on	Ground the answer in the material named in the question.
199	According to	Use what the specified source says.
200	In context	Use the meaning that fits this passage or situation.

What the examination requires

Confirm your module combination

UAT-UK lists Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Everyone takes Mathematics 1. Most candidates take two further modules, selected according to their course requirements. Check the relevant course pages and ask UAT-UK if your applications have conflicting requirements.

Each standard module has 27 questions and 40 minutes

The modules use multiple choice. A candidate sitting three standard modules has 120 minutes of testing time. UAT-UK says calculators and dictionaries are unavailable and incorrect answers do not lose marks. Use the official practice interface to learn how the test records your selections.

Use the content specification for the module you need

The official preparation page provides the specification and specimen material. Identify whether the stem is asking for a definition, calculation, prediction or interpretation. Then read any unit or model assumption that changes how you work it out.

Read the result as a module score

UAT-UK reports a score for each module on its 1–9 scale and gives no universal pass or fail score. Check which test sitting and module combination apply to your entry year and course.

• Identify the action the question asks you to perform.
• Check the evidence, constraints and response format.
• Use the exact question and current paper instructions when checking the answer.

Worked examples of common examination instructions

These original examples show what belongs in a response when a question asks for a different action.

Use the units before the numbers

A practice item asks for the density of an object with mass 600 g and volume 300 cm³ in g/cm³. Use 600 ÷ 300 to get 2 g/cm³. If the choices use kilograms per cubic metre, convert the final value to 2,000 kg/m³ or convert both quantities before dividing.

Read the slope in its context

In a simple straight-line distance–time graph, distance rises from 10 m to 30 m between 2 s and 6 s. The gradient is 20 m divided by 4 s, or 5 m/s. Dividing the final distance by the final time would answer a different question because the graph’s relevant segment starts above zero.

Compare quantities using the balanced equation

In 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, four moles of hydrogen need two moles of oxygen. If only one mole of oxygen is supplied, oxygen limits the reaction and can form two moles of water under the stated model. The coefficients establish mole ratios.

Ask what the control group rules out

In an invented plant trial, both groups receive equal water but only one receives a mineral supplement. If the groups are otherwise comparable, the difference helps assess the supplement’s effect. If all supplemented plants are also kept in a warmer room, the temperature difference limits the conclusion.

Use the Fencing Method to practise instructions

Start with one accurate answer or statement. Add a precise detail, then explain the connection the task asks for. Use a new question to check that you can perform the same action again.

1. The graph rises.
2. Distance increases by 20 metres in four seconds.
3. The segment’s gradient is 5 metres per second, using the changes in both coordinates.
4. Use a different graph. Read the axes and units before calculating the gradient or interpreting it.

Read the eduKate Fencing Method for Vocabulary.

Practise and check your answers

Group practice by module and output

Use your specification to find a set of module questions. Sort your misses by output type, such as an exact number, a graph interpretation or a scientific prediction. Then practise a second problem with the same instruction and a different topic.

Check units and assumptions before choosing

Write the units next to the quantities and identify any assumption the question states. After calculating, check whether the final unit and scale fit the options. When working from a graph, compare the correct interval and series.

Practice 1. A mass is given in grams and an answer is requested in kilograms. What should you check?

Convert using the correct factor and keep the final unit with the value.

Practice 2. What does a limiting reactant determine?

It limits how much product can be formed under the balanced equation and stated quantities.

Practice 3. A question asks for the most consistent result. Which option fits?

Choose the result that agrees with the named data and conditions.

Practice 4. A non-calculator option contains a fraction and a decimal. What can help?

Use a common form or compare both against a convenient bound before choosing.

Frequently asked questions

Does every ESAT candidate take the same science modules?

Mathematics 1 is compulsory. The required additional modules depend on the course.

Does the test use a calculator?

UAT-UK says calculators are unavailable for the ESAT.

Should I study every term here for every module?

Use the official specification for your module and focus on terms that change how you answer its questions.

Official sources and next reading

• UAT-UK ESAT format and module requirements
• UAT-UK official specifications and practice material
• UAT-UK booking and test FAQs

Related guide in this series · TMUA examination instructions

Read eduKateSG’s 200-word vocabulary guide for more ways to group and practise vocabulary.

Back to the 200-word list · Back to contents