Command Words

Question 1

Analyse

Answer 1

Break down the issue, into its key ideas in order to provide an in-depth account and convey an understanding of it.

Question 2

Assess

Answer 2

Consider several options or arguments and weigh them up so as to come to a conclusion about their effectiveness or validity.

Question 3

Critically

Answer 3

Often occurs before ‘Assess’ or ‘Evaluate’ inviting an examination of an issue from the point of view of a critic with a particular focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the points of view being expressed.

Question 4

Discuss

Answer 4

Set out both sides of an argument (for and against), and come to a conclusion related to the content and emphasis of the discussion.

Question 5

Evaluate

Answer 5

Consider several options, ideas or arguments and come to a conclusion about their importance/success/worth.

Question 6

Examine

Answer 6

Consider carefully and provide a detailed account of the indicated topic.

Question 7

Explain.., Why.., Suggest reasons for…

Answer 7

.

Question 8

Justify:

Answer 8

Give reasons for the validity of a view or idea why some action should be undertaken. This might reasonably involve discussing and discounting alternative views or actions.A decision should be reached to show one idea outweighs the other.

Question 9

To what extent…

Answer 9

evaluate assess