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Command Words 1712675281

The document lists and defines various command words used in exams to instruct students how to answer different types of questions. It provides examples of command words like analyze, apply, calculate, compare, describe, discuss, explain, identify, and predict along with short definitions of what each requires.

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osahai17
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33 views2 pages

Command Words 1712675281

The document lists and defines various command words used in exams to instruct students how to answer different types of questions. It provides examples of command words like analyze, apply, calculate, compare, describe, discuss, explain, identify, and predict along with short definitions of what each requires.

Uploaded by

osahai17
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Command words

Command words are the words and phrases used in exams that tell students how they should answer a
question.

Analyse Separate information into components and identify their characteristics

Annotate Add notation or labelling to a graph, diagram or other drawing

Apply Put into effect in a recognised way

Argue Present a reasoned case

Assess Make an informed judgement

Calculate Work out the value of something and give your answer as a number

Comment Present an informed opinion

Compare This requires the student to describe the similarities and/or differences between things, not just
write about one

Complete Finish a task by adding to given information usually in the space provided in a word fill or in a table
or on a diagram.

Consider Review and respond to given information

Contrast Identify differences

Criticise Access worth against explicit expectations

Debate Present different perspectives on an issue

Deduce Draw conclusions from information provided

Define Specify the meaning of a key term

Describe Give an account of events or a process in an accurate way. Or give a description of the trends shown
on a graph- this will usually require you to use data.

Design Set out how something will be done- usually designing an investigation

Determine Use given data or information to obtain an answer

Develop Take forward or build upon given information

Discuss Present key points

Distinguish List the differences between different items

Draw Produce or add to a diagram

Estimate Assign an approximate value


Evaluate Students should use the information supplied, as well as their knowledge and understanding, to
consider evidence for and against when making a judgement.

Explain Give reasons for something happening- using biological knowledge

Explore Investigate without preconceptions about the outcome

Give Produce an answer from recall or from given information. This will be a short answer.

Identify Name or otherwise characterise

Justify Use evidence from the information supplied to support an answer.

Label Provide appropriate names on a diagram

List List a number of features or points without further elaboration

Name Identify using a recognised technical term. Only a short answer is required, not an explanation or a
description. Often it can be answered with a single word, phrase or sentence.

Outline Set out main characteristics

Plot Mark on a graph using data given.

Predict Give a plausible outcome

Relate Give a technical term or its equivalent

Show Provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion

Sketch Draw approximately

State Express in clear terms

Suggest Present a possible case. This term is used in questions where students need to apply their knowledge
and understanding to a new situation that they have likely not been taught in class.

Use The answer must be based on the information given in the question. Unless the information given in the
question is used, no marks can be given. In some cases students might be asked to use their own knowledge
and understanding to add to the information.

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