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Command Words

This document defines and explains common command words used in exam and assessment questions to help students understand what is being asked of them. It lists 21 command words such as analyze, assess, calculate, comment, compare, consider, contrast, define, demonstrate, describe, develop, discuss, evaluate, examine, explain, give, identify, justify, outline, predict, sketch, state, suggest, and summarize; and provides a definition for each one to clarify what the examiner wants the student to do. Subject-specific command words will also be defined in the syllabus.

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213 views

Command Words

This document defines and explains common command words used in exam and assessment questions to help students understand what is being asked of them. It lists 21 command words such as analyze, assess, calculate, comment, compare, consider, contrast, define, demonstrate, describe, develop, discuss, evaluate, examine, explain, give, identify, justify, outline, predict, sketch, state, suggest, and summarize; and provides a definition for each one to clarify what the examiner wants the student to do. Subject-specific command words will also be defined in the syllabus.

Uploaded by

idk
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding command words

Command words tell you how to answer a specific exam question or complete an
assessment task. Below we list the command words you will see in new and revised
syllabuses published from 2019 onwards. The command words published in the syllabus
will be in exam and assessment materials from 2022 onwards.

The definitions will help you understand what the words are asking you to do. Any subject-
specific command words will also be listed in the syllabus. The list does not include simple
instruction words like write, circle or find.

Analyse
examine in detail to show meaning, and identify elements and the relationship
between them
Assess
make an informed judgement
Calculate
work out from given facts, figures or information
Comment
give an informed opinion
Compare
identify/comment on similarities and/or differences
Consider
review and respond to given information
Contrast
identify/comment on differences
Define
give a precise meaning
Demonstrate
show how or give an example
Describe
state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features
Develop
take forward to a more advanced stage or build upon given information
Discuss
write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way
Evaluate
judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount or value of something
Examine
investigate closely, in detail
Explain
set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say
why and/or how and support with relevant evidence
Give
produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory
Identify
name/select/recognise
Justify
support a case with evidence/argument
Outline
set out the main points
Predict
suggest what may happen based on available information
Sketch
make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over
proportions
State
express in clear terms
Suggest
apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid
responses to make proposals/put forward considerations
Summarise
choose and present the main points, without detail

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