Level 7 Exam Help: How To Answer SAQs

Following on from our Level 7 Literature Review Guidance article, here’s Pablo Anto – Harley Academy assessments administrator – with some tips on successfully navigating your Short Answer Questions (SAQs)…

Once again, good luck to everyone taking their Level 7 Diploma in Botox and Dermal Fillers – you’ve got this!

Level 7 Diploma Short Answer Questions

Your SAQs are a series of short questions designed to test your knowledge of aesthetic injectables. They are intended to be completed “open book”. They require a concise and focused approach that delineates the scope of a topic in accordance to the descriptor verb of a question.

Descriptor Verb Definitions

You’ll need a clear understanding of what each assignment question is asking you to do for this element of your essays. Your SAQs will use “descriptor verbs” which explain how you should approach each question.

The following list provides a definition of the descriptor verbs you will come across in your SAQs. They are ordered in decreasing magnitudes of detail required. These words are used in assessment marking criteria and will showcase how well you’ve answered the question:

“Critically Analyse”/”Evaluate”

Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings are true, or to what extent you agree with them. Provide evidence taken from a wide range of sources which both agree with and contradict an argument. Come to a final conclusion, basing your decision on what you judge to be the most important factors. Justify how you have made your choice.

“Evaluate”

Consider the strengths and weaknesses, arguments for and against and/or similarities and differences. Provide evidence from the different perspectives and make a valid conclusion or reasoned judgement. Apply current research or theories to support the evaluation when applicable.

“Analyse”

Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look at each part in-depth using supporting arguments and evidence for and against, as well as how these interrelate to one another.

“Evaluate”

Look at carefully; consider.

Auxiliary information on presentation, word count and referencing can be found in the SAQ script issued to you. However, if you need further information or assistance, please do reach out to our Student Support team.

You can also post any queries in the Harley Academy Comma where you can receive guidance from your peers as well as our student support team and HA faculty members. This is an exclusive forum within the Comma app. If you are not already on board, please let us know as you will need an invitation to join our private Comma platform.

Using references in your SAQs

We're frequently asked if trainees can reference their Level 7 eLearning in their SAQ responses.

You can reference your eLearning in your SAQs. However, please use a variety of sources throughout your answers.

Here at Harley Academy, we use Harvard referencing. Please see the following formatting examples:

For in-text citations:

(Harley Academy, 2023*)

* the year you’re accessing the eLearning.

Bibliography:

Harley Academy (2023) 'Injection Techniques', Soft Tissue Fillers, Slide 6.