Command words (Science)

Question 1

What does calculate mean?

Answer 1

Calculate means that students should use numbers given in the question to work out the answer.

Question 2

Define Choose.

Answer 2

Choose means that you can select something from a range of alternatives.

Question 3

Explain Compare.

Answer 3

Compare means that this requires the student to describe the similarities and/ or differences between things, not just write about one.

Question 4

Give me the definition of Complete.

Answer 4

Complete means answers should be written in the space provided, for example on a diagram, in spaces, in a sentence, or in a table.

Question 5

Explain Define.

Answer 5

Define means specify the meaning of something.

Question 6

What does describe mean?

Answer 6

Describe means that students may be asked to recall some facts, events or process in an accurate way.

Question 7

Define Design

Answer 7

Design means set out how something will be done.

Question 8

Explain Determine

Answer 8

Determine means use given data or information to obtain and answer.

Question 9

Define Draw.

Answer 9

Draw means that you produce, or add to, a digram

Question 10

Give me the meaning of Estimate.

Answer 10

Estimate means you assign an approximate value.

Question 11

What does Evaluate mean?

Answer 11

Evaluate means that students should use the information supplied, as well as their knowledge and understanding, to consider evidence for and against.

Question 12

Define Explain

Answer 12

Explain means that students should make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening.

Question 13

Give me the definition of Give.

Answer 13

Give means that only a short answer is required, not an explanation or a description.

Question 14

Explain Identify

Answer 14

Identify means name or otherwise characterise.

Question 15

What does Measure mean?

Answer 15

Measure means find an item of data for a given quantity.

Question 16

Define name

Answer 16

Name means only a short answer is required, not an explanation or description. Often it can be answered with a single word, phrase or sentence.

Question 17

Explain Plan

Answer 17

Plan means write a method.

Question 18

Give me the meaning of plot

Answer 18

Plot means you mark on a graph using data given

Question 19

Define Predict

Answer 19

Predict means give a plausible outcome.

Question 20

Explain Show

Answer 20

Show means provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion

Question 21

What does Sketch mean?

Answer 21

Sketch means draw approximately.

Question 22

Define Suggest

Answer 22

Suggest is the term used in questions where students need to apply their knowledge and understanding to a new situation.

Question 23

Explain use

Answer 23

Use means that the answer must be based on the information given in the question. Unless the information given in the question is used, no marks can be given. In some cases students might be asked to use their own knowledge and understanding.

Question 24

Define write

Answer 24

Write means only a short answer is required, not an explanation or description.

Question 25

What does Justify mean?

Answer 25

Justify means that you use evidence from the information supplied to support an answer

Question 26

Define Label mean?

Answer 26

Label means provide appropriate names on a diagram.

Question 27

What does retention time mean?

Answer 27

Retention time is the time that it takes a component in a mixture to pass through the column during gas chromatography.

Question 28

Define smart polymer

Answer 28

Smart polymers are polymers that change in response to changes in their environment.