Command Words

Question 1

Add/Label

Answer 1

Requires the addition or labelling to a stimulus material given in the question, for example labelling a diagram or adding units to a table

Question 2

Assess

Answer 2

Giver careful consideration to all the factors and events that apply and identify which are the most important or relevant. Make a judgement on the importance of something, and come to a conclusion where needed

Question 3

Calculate

Answer 3

Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. If the answer has a unit, this must be included

Question 4

Comment on

Answer 4

Requires the synthesis of a number of variables from data/information to form a judgement

Question 5

Compare and contrast

Answer 5

Looking for is similarities and differences of two (or more) things. Should not require the drawing of a conclusion. Answer must relate to both or all things mentioned in the question. The answer must include at least one similarity and o0ne difference

Question 6

Complete

Answer 6

Requires the completion of a table/diagram

Question 7

Criticise

Answer 7

Inspect a table of data, an experimental plan or a scientific statement and consider the elements. Look at the merits and faults of the information presented and support judgements made by giving evidence

Question 8

Deduce

Answer 8

Draw/reach conclusions from the information provided

Question 9

Describe

Answer 9

To give an account of something. Statements in the respond need to be developed as they are often linked but do not need to include a justification or a reason

Question 10

Determine

Answer 10

The answer must have an element which is quantitive from the stimulus provided, or must show how the answer is reached quantitively. To gain maximum marks there must be a quantitive element to the answer

Question 11

Devise

Answer 11

Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles/ideas

Question 12

Discuss

Answer 12

Identify the issue/situation/arguement that is being assessed within the question
Explore all aspects of an issue/situation/arguement
Investigate an issue/situation etc by reasoning or argument

Question 13

Draw

Answer 13

Produce a diagram either using a ruler or using freehand

Question 14

Evaluate

Answer 14

Review information and then bring it together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence including strengths, weaknesses , alternative actions, relevant data or information. Come to a supported judgement of a subjects qualities and relation to its context

Question 15

Explain

Answer 15

An explanation requires a justification/exemplification of point. The answer must contain some element of reasoning/justification, this can include mathematical explanations

Question 16

Give/State/Name

Answer 16

All of these word are synonyms. They generally all require recall of one or more pieces of information

Question 17

Give a reason

Answer 17

When a statement has been made and the requirement is to only give the reasons why

Question 18

Justify

Answer 18

Give evidence to support (either the statement given in the question or an earlier answer)

Question 19

Identify

Answer 19

Usually requires some key information to be selected from a given stimulus/resource

Question 20

Plot

Answer 20

Produce a grid by marking points accurately on a grid from data that is provided and then drawing a line of best fit through these points. A suitable scale and appropriately labelled axis must be included these are not provided in the question

Question 21

Predict

Answer 21

Give an expected result

Question 22

Show that

Answer 22

Verify the statement given in the question

Question 23

Sketch

Answer 23

Produce a freehand drawing. For a graph this would need a line and labelled axis with important features indicated, the axis are not scaled

Question 24

State what is meant by

Answer 24

When the meaning of a term is expected but there are different ways of how these can be described

Question 25

Write

Answer 25

When the question asks for an equation.