Command Words

Question 1

Analyse

Answer 1

Separate information into components and identify their characteristics.

Question 2

Argue

Answer 2

Present a reasoned case.

Question 3

Assess

Answer 3

Make an informed judgement.

Question 4

Comment

Answer 4

Present an informed opinion.

Question 5

Compare

Answer 5

Identify similarities and/or differences.

Question 6

Contrast

Answer 6

Identify differences.

Question 7

Criticise

Answer 7

Assess worth against explicit expectations.

Question 8

Debate

Answer 8

Present different perspectives on an issue.

Question 9

Describe

Answer 9

Give an account of.

Question 10

Discuss

Answer 10

Present key points.

Question 11

Evaluate

Answer 11

State how you react when reading the text as in ‘Evaluate the effects the descriptions have on you’.

Question 12

Examine

Answer 12

Investigate closely.

Question 13

Explain

Answer 13

Give reasons.

Question 14

Find

Answer 14

Select the options that are true (or false).

Question 15

How does the writer’s use of language achieve an effect?

Answer 15

Describe how writers use language to achieve effects/impact (words/phrases/ language features/ language techniques/ sentence forms).

Question 16

Illustrate

Answer 16

Present clarifying examples.

Question 17

Review

Answer 17

Survey information.

Question 18

Suggest

Answer 18

Present a possible case/solution.

Question 19

Summarise

Answer 19

Present principal points without detail.

Question 20

Support

Answer 20

Use quotations/ textual references to evidence your response.

Question 21

What do you understand?

Answer 21

Retrieve and interpret information from a text/s.