Command Words For Exams Definitions

Question 1

Assess

Answer 1

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 2

Calculate

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Comment on

Answer 3

Requires the synthesis of a number of variables from data or information in order to form a judgement.

Question 4

Criticise

Answer 4

Inspect a set of data, an experimental plan or a statement and consider the elements. Point out both the merits and the faults and support the judgement made with a reason.

Question 5

Deduce

Answer 5

Draw/reach conclusions from the information provided

Question 6

Describe

Answer 6

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 7

Determine

Answer 7

The answer must have an element that is quantitative from the stimulus provided, or must show how the answer can be reached quantitatively. To gain full marks there must be a quantitative element to the answer.

Question 8

Devise

Answer 8

Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles or ideas

Question 9

Draw

Answer 9

Produce a diagram either using a ruler or using freehand

Question 10

Explain

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Give / State / Name

Answer 11

All of these command words are really synonyms. They generally all require recall of one or more pieces of information.

Question 12

Identify

Answer 12

Usually requires a candidate to pick out some key information from a given stimulus/resource

Question 13

Justify

Answer 13

Give evidence to prove (either the question given in the question or an earlier answer)

Question 14

Plot

Answer 14

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 15

Predict

Answer 15

Give an expected result.

Question 16

Show that

Answer 16

Prove that a numerical figure is as stated in the question. The answer must be to at least 1 significant figure more than the numerical figure in the question.

Question 17

Sketch

Answer 17

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

Question 18

State what is meant by

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Suggest

Answer 19

Use your knowledge to propose a solution to a problem in a novel context.

Question 20

Write

Answer 20

When questions ask for an equation.

Question 21

You may wish to…

Answer 21

You really should include… (if you don’t follow the suggestion, you’ll probably lose marks).