Exam Command Words

Question 1

Adapt

Answer 1

Change to make suitable for a

new use or purpose

Question 2

Analyse

Answer 2

Separate information into
components and identify their
characteristics. Discuss the pros
and cons of a topic or argument
and make reasoned comment.

Question 3

Apply

Answer 3

Put into operation or use. Use
relevant skills/knowledge/
understanding appropriate to
context

Question 4

Assess

Answer 4

Offer a reasoned judgement of
the standard/quality of situation/
skills informed by relevant facts

Question 5

Calculate

Answer 5

Generate a numerical answer,

with workings shown

Question 6

Carry out

Answer 6

To undertake an activity of a

practical nature

Question 7

Collect

Answer 7

Gather together

Question 8

Communicate

Answer 8

To impart (knowledge) or
exchange (thoughts, feelings, or
ideas) by speech, writing, gestures
etc

Question 9

Compare

Answer 9

Identify similarities and

differences

Question 10

Conduct

Answer 10

To do or carry out

Question 11

Contrast

Answer 11

Identify differences

Question 12

Create

Answer 12

To originate, e.g. to produce a

solution to a problem

Question 13

Demonstrate

Answer 13

Show in an explicit way

Question 14

Define

Answer 14

State or describe the nature,

scope or meaning

Question 15

Describe

Answer 15

Give an account, including all the
relevant characteristics, qualities,
or events

Question 16

Design

Answer 16

Plan and presentation of ideas
to show the layout/function/
workings/object/system/process

Question 17

Determine

Answer 17

Find out, decide, e.g. what is
relevant. To find a solution by
following a set of procedures
or to obtain a numerical value
by carrying out a series of
calculations

Question 18

Develop

Answer 18

Progress/expand/initialise from a

starting point

Question 19

Discuss

Answer 19

Give an account that addresses a

range of ideas and arguments

Question 20

Display

Answer 20

Present/set out data/information

Question 21

Estimate

Answer 21

Assign an approximate value

Question 22

Evaluate

Answer 22

Make a qualitative judgement
taking into account different
factors and using available
knowledge/experience/evidence

Question 23

Examine(d)

Answer 23

To look at, inspect, or scrutinise
carefully, or in detail. Investigate
closely

Question 24

Explain

Answer 24

To give account of the purposes

or reasons

Question 25

Explore

Answer 25

To find out about

Question 26

Follow

Answer 26

To go in the direction of or to be

guided by instructions

Question 27

Generate

Answer 27

To originate, eg to produce
a solution to a problem. To
produce original data by taking
measurements

Question 28

Give

Answer 28

Supply

Question 29

Identify

Answer 29

Recognise, list, name or

otherwise characterise

Question 30

Illustrate

Answer 30

Make clear by using examples or

provide diagrams

Question 31

Illustrate

Answer 31

Make clear by using examples or

provide diagrams

Question 32

Implement

Answer 32

Put into action/use/effect

Question 33

Interpret

Answer 33

Translate information into
recognisable form. Convey one’s
understanding to others, eg
in a performance. Explain the
meaning of something

Question 34

Investigate

Answer 34

To inquire into (a situation or

problem)

Question 35

Justify

Answer 35

Present a reasoned case for

actions or decisions made

Question 36

Measure

Answer 36

Establish a value using a suitable
measuring instrument or
technique

Question 37

Name

Answer 37

To provide appropriate word(s) or

term(s)

Question 38

Obtain

Answer 38

Acquire

Question 39

Outline

Answer 39

A description setting out main

characteristics/points

Question 40

Participate

Answer 40

Take part in

Question 41

Perform

Answer 41

Present/enact/demonstrate

practically

Question 42

Plan

Answer 42

Consider, set out and

communicate what is to be done

Question 43

Present

Answer 43

Produce an exposition/resumé for
an audience, eg at the conclusion
of the project to demonstrate
what has been done and the
outcome

Question 44

Process

Answer 44

A systematic series of actions

Question 45

Produce

Answer 45

To bring into existence. Give
rise to by intellectual or creative
ability: to make or manufacture

Question 46

Promote

Answer 46

Work for/urge the adoption of/
support/progress, eg a particular
course of action/solution

Question 47

Propose

Answer 47

Put forward an idea, plan,
suggestion for consideration by
others

Question 48

Recommend

Answer 48

Suggest/put forward as being

appropriate, with reasons why

Question 49

Report

Answer 49

To prepare a detailed account
or statement about an event or
topic

Question 50

Research

Answer 50

Investigation into and study of
materials and sources to establish
facts and reach conclusions

Question 51

Research

Answer 51

Investigation into and study of
materials and sources to establish
facts and reach conclusions

Question 52

Review

Answer 52

Survey information, methods,
outcomes, conclusions, after
the event, deciding what was
effective or not

Question 53

Select

Answer 53

Carefully choose as being the
most suitable for a task or
purpose

Question 54

Set up

Answer 54

Prepare a system or set of

equipment for operation

Question 55

State

Answer 55

Express in precise terms, express

in unequivocal terms

Question 56

Suggest

Answer 56

Give possible alternatives,
produce an idea, put forward, e.g.
an idea or plan, for consideration

Question 57

Summarise

Answer 57

To sum up or to put things into
your own words or to create
a précis of the information
discussed

Question 58

Undertake

Answer 58

Take part in or carry out an

activity

Question 59

Use

Answer 59

Apply the information provided
or apply prior learning. To put
into service or action. Employ for
a given purpose