Command Words

Question 1

Analyse

Answer 1

Examine a topic together with thoughts

and judgements about it.

Question 2

Appraise

Answer 2

Evaluate, judge or assess.

Question 3

Argue

Answer 3

Provide reasoned arguments for or
against a point and arrive at an
appropriate conclusion.

Question 4

Assess

Answer 4

Evaluate or judge the importance of
something, referring to appropriate
schools of thought.

Question 5

Collect

Answer 5

Systematically gather a series of items

over a period of time.

Question 6

Compare and contrast

Answer 6

Look for similarities and differences
between two or more factors leading to
an informed conclusion.

Question 7

Create

Answer 7

Bring something into existence for the

first time.

Question 8

Define

Answer 8

Write the precise meaning of a word or

phrase. Quote a source if possible.

Question 9

Demonstrate

Answer 9

Explain, using examples.

Question 10

Describe

Answer 10

Give a detailed account of something.

Question 11

Determine

Answer 11

Use research to check or establish

something.

Question 12

Develop

Answer 12

Take forward or build on given

information.

Question 13

Discuss

Answer 13

Investigate or examine by argument
and debate, giving reasons for and
against.

Question 14

Evaluate

Answer 14

Make an appraisal of the worth (or not)
of something, its validity, reliability,
effectiveness, applicability.

Question 15

Explain

Answer 15

Make plain, interpret and account for,

enlighten, give reasons for.

Question 16

Identify

Answer 16

List the main points or characteristics of

a given item.

Question 17

Illustrate

Answer 17

Give examples to make points clear and

explicit.

Question 18

Justify

Answer 18

Support recommendations,
explanations or arguments, with valid
reasons for and against.

Question 19

Outline

Answer 19

Set out the main characteristics or general

principles, ignoring minor details.

Question 20

Plan

Answer 20

Put forward a proposal for a course of

action, usually to achieve a goal.

Question 21

Present

Answer 21

Exhibit something to others.

Question 22

Recommend

Answer 22

Put forward proposals, supported by a

clear rationale.

Question 23

Reflect

Answer 23

Think carefully about something;
consider something; review something
that has happened or has been done.

Question 24

State

Answer 24

Present in a clear brief form.

Question 25

Summarise

Answer 25

Give a concise account of the key

points omit details and examples.