Command words

Question 1

Analyze

Answer 1

Examine in detail to show meaning, identify elements and the relationship between them

Question 2

Calculate

Answer 2

Work out from given facts, figures or information

Question 3

Compare

Answer 3

Identify/comment on similarities and/or differences

Question 4

Define

Answer 4

Give precise meaning

Question 5

Describe

Answer 5

State the points of a topic/give characteristics and main features

Question 6

Develop

Answer 6

Take forward to a more advanced stage or build upon given information

Question 7

Discuss

Answer 7

Write about issues or topics in depth in a structured way

Question 8

Evaluate

Answer 8

Judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something

Question 9

Explain

Answer 9

Set our purposes or reasons / provide why and support with relevant evidence

Question 10

Give

Answer 10

Produce an answer from a given source or memory

Question 11

Identify

Answer 11

Name / Recognise

Question 12

Justify

Answer 12

Support a case with evidence

Question 13

Outline

Answer 13

Set out main points

Question 14

Sketch

Answer 14

Make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over proportions

Question 15

State

Answer 15

Express in clear terms

Question 16

Suggest

Answer 16

Apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make proposals / put forward considerations