Command Words/ Exam Technique

Question 1

Add/Label:

Answer 1

• Requires the addition or labelling to a stimulus material given in the question, for example labelling a diagram or adding units to a table.

Question 2

Assess:

Answer 2

• 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.

Question 3

Calculate:

Answer 3

• Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working.
• If the answer has a unit, this must be included.

Question 4

Comment on:

Answer 4

• Requires the synthesis of a number of variables from data/information to form a judgement.

Question 5

Compare and Contrast:

Answer 5

• 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.

Question 6

Complete:

Answer 6

• Requires the completion of a table/diagram.

Question 7

Criticise:

Answer 7

• 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.

Question 8

Deduce:

Answer 8

• Draw/reach conclusion(s) from the information provided.

Question 9

Describe:

Answer 9

• 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.

Question 10

Determine:

Answer 10

• 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.

Question 11

Devise:

Answer 11

• Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles/ideas.

Question 12

Discuss:

Answer 12

• 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.

Question 13

Draw:

Answer 13

• Produce a diagram either using a ruler or using freehand.

Question 14

Evaluate:

Answer 14

• 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.

Question 15

Explain:

Answer 15

• An explanation requires a justification/exemplification of a point.
• The answer must contain some element of reasoning/justification, this can include mathematical explanations.

Question 16

Give/State/Name:

Answer 16

• They generally all require recall of one or more pieces of information.

Question 17

Give a
reason/reasons:

Answer 17

• When a statement has been made and the requirement is only to give the reasons why.

Question 18

Identify:

Answer 18

• Usually requires some key information to be selected from a given stimulus/resource.

Question 19

Justify:

Answer 19

• Give evidence to support (either the statement given in the question or an earlier answer).

Question 20

Plot:

Answer 20

• 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.

Question 21

Predict:

Answer 21

• Give an expected result.

Question 22

Show that:

Answer 22

• Verify the statement given in the question.

Question 23

Sketch:

Answer 23

• Produce a freehand drawing.
• For a graph this would need a line and labelled axis with important features indicated, the axis are not scaled.

Question 24

State what is meant
by:

Answer 24

• When the meaning of a term is expected but there are different ways of how these can be described.

Question 25

Write:

Answer 25

• When the questions ask for an equation.