Science command words

Question 1

Balance

Answer 1

Students need to balance a chemical equation.

Question 2

Calculate

Answer 2

Students should use numbers given in the question to work out the answer.

Question 3

Choose

Answer 3

Select from a range of alternatives.

Question 4

Compare

Answer 4

This requires the student to describe the similarities and/or differences between things, not just write about one.

Question 5

Complete

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Define

Answer 6

Specify the meaning of something.

Question 7

Describe

Answer 7

Students may be asked to recall some facts, events or process in an accurate way.

Question 8

Design

Answer 8

Set out how something will be done.

Question 9

Determine

Answer 9

Use given data or information to obtain and answer.

Question 10

Draw

Answer 10

To produce, or add to, a diagram.

Question 11

Estimate

Answer 11

Assign an approximate value.

Question 12

Evaluate

Answer 12

Students should use the information supplied, as well as their knowledge and understanding, to consider evidence for and against when making a judgement.

Question 13

Explain

Answer 13

Students should make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening.

Question 14

Give

Answer 14

Only a short answer is required, not an explanation or a description.

Question 15

How/What/When/Where/Which/Who/Why

Answer 15

These can be used for more direct questions.

Question 16

Identify

Answer 16

Name or otherwise characterise.

Question 17

Justify

Answer 17

Use evidence from the information supplied to support an answer.

Question 18

Label

Answer 18

Provide appropriate names on a diagram.

Question 19

Measure

Answer 19

Find an item of data for a given quantity.

Question 20

Name

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Plan

Answer 21

Write a method.Plot

Question 22

Predict

Answer 22

Give a plausible outcome.

Question 23

Plot

Answer 23

Mark on a graph using data given.

Question 24

Show

Answer 24

Provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion.

Question 25

Sketch

Answer 25

Draw approximately.

Question 26

Suggest

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Use

Answer 27

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 28

Write

Answer 28

Only a short answer is required, not an explanation or a description.