Exam Command Words

Question 1

Calculate

Answer 1

work out from given figures, facts or information

Question 2

Compare

Answer 2

identify / comment on similarities and/or differences

Question 3

Define

Answer 3

give precise meaning

Question 4

Describe

Answer 4

state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features

Question 5

Devise

Answer 5

create a questionnaire to present other information according to specific requirements

Question 6

Estimate

Answer 6

use judgement to give a unit value to a distance or area

Question 7

Explain

Answer 7

set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things evident / provide why and/or how and support with relevant evidence

Question 8

Give

Answer 8

produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory

Question 9

Identify

Answer 9

name/select/recognise

Question 10

Justify

Answer 10

support a case with evidence/argument

Question 11

Locate

Answer 11

indicate the position of a place, feature or entity from/on a resource

Question 12

Plan

Answer 12

create a method to obtain or present certain information (such as a questionnaire) according to specific requirements

Question 13

Predict

Answer 13

suggest what may happen based on available information

Question 14

Sketch

Answer 14

make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, talking care over proportions

Question 15

State

Answer 15

express in clear terms

Question 16

Suggest

Answer 16

apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make proposals