Command words Flashcards
Add/Label
Requires the addition or labelling to a stimulus material
given in the question, for example labelling a diagram or
adding units to a table.
Assess
Give careful consideration to all the factors or 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.
Calculate
Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. If the
answer has a unit, this must be included.
Comment on
Requires the synthesis of a number of variables from
data/information to form a judgement.
Compare and
contrast
Looking for the 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 one
difference.
Complete
Requires the completion of a table/diagram.
Criticise
Inspect a set 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.
Deduce
Draw/reach conclusion(s) from the information provided.
Describe
To give an account of something. Statements in the
response need to be developed as they are often linked but
do not need to include a justification or reason.
Determine
The answer must have an element which is quantitative
from the stimulus provided, or must show how the answer
can be reached quantitatively. To gain maximum marks
there must be a quantitative element to the answer.
Devise
Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles/ideas.
Discuss
● Identify the issue/situation/problem/argument that is
being assessed within the question
● Explore all aspects of an
issue/situation/problem/argument
● Investigate the issue/situation etc by reasoning or
argument
Draw
Produce a diagram either using a ruler or using freehand.
Evaluate
Review information 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 subject’s
qualities and relation to its context.
Explain
An explanation requires a justification/exemplification of a
point. The answer must contain some element
of reasoning/justification, this can include mathematical
explanations.
Give/State/Name
All of these command words are really synonyms. They
generally all require recall of one or more pieces of
information.
Give a
reason/reasons
When a statement has been made and the requirement is
only to give the reasons why.
Identify
Usually requires some key information to be selected from a
given stimulus/resource.
Justify
Give evidence to support (either the statement given in the
question or an earlier answer)
Plot
Produce a graph 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 axes must be included if these are not provided in
the question.
Predict
Give an expected result.
Show that
Verify the statement given in the question.
Sketch
Produce a freehand drawing. For a graph this would need a
line and labelled axis with important features indicated, the
axis are not scaled.
State what is meant
by
When the meaning of a term is expected but there are
different ways of how these can be described.
Write
When the questions ask for an equation.
