Command Words Used In Exams

Question 1

Add/label

Answer 1

Requires addition or labelling to stimulus n in question, eg. Labelling or adding units to a table

Question 2

Asses

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.. must include unit if not given

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 similarities and differences of two (or more) things. Answer must relate to all things mentioned in the question

Question 6

Complete

Answer 6

Finish the table/diagram

Question 7

Criticise

Answer 7

Inspect what’s laid out for you and consider the elements. Look at merits and faults of the information presented and back judgments made by giving evidence

Question 8

Deduce

Answer 8

Draw/reach a conclusion

Question 9

Describe

Answer 9

To give an account of something. Statements in response must be developed as they’re often linked.

Question 10

Determine

Answer 10

Must show how you think the answer can be reached, to gain maximum points use a quantitive element

Question 11

Devise

Answer 11

Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles/ideas

Question 12

Discuss

Answer 12

Identify the situation/issue that is being assessed with the question then explore all aspects of it and investigate it by reasoning or argument

Question 13

Evaluate

Answer 13

Review information then bring it together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence.

Question 14

Explain

Answer 14

Requires justification of a point. Must contain an element of reasoning, this can include mathematical reasoning

Question 15

Give/state/name

Answer 15

Require recall of one or more pieces of information

Question 16

Give a reason

Answer 16

When a statement has been made and you’re required to give a reason why

Question 17

Identify

Answer 17

Requires some key information to be selected from a given stimulus/resource

Question 18

Justify

Answer 18

Give evidence to prove

Question 19

Plot

Answer 19

Produce a graph by marking points accurately on a grid from data that is provided and then drawing a line of best fit through here points. A suitable scale and appropriately labelled axes must be included if not provided

Question 20

Predict

Answer 20

Give an expected result

Question 21

Show that

Answer 21

Verify a statement in a question

Question 22

Sketch

Answer 22

Produce a free hand drawing

Question 23

State what is meant by

Answer 23

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