Vidya PM

W2.2.1 COMMAND WORDS

I. Read through the list of command words in the syllabus.

Five command words;

Command words Definition

state Express in clear words
Identify name /select/recognise
Define give precise meaning
Explain set out purposes or reasons / make the
relationships between things evident / provide
why and/or how and support with relevant
evidence
Give Produce an answer from a given source or
recall/memory.

II.Write a short description of an activity that will help your learners to understand each of the
command words.

LFD: (Learner friendly definition)

Command words Learner Friendly Definition

state Express something clearly in writing

Identify To recognize something

Define State exact nature, scope or meaning

Explain Make an idea or a situation clear to someone
by describing it in more detail or revealing
relevant facts and information.

Give Checking previous knowledge for a given topic.

COMMAND WORDS AND EXAMPLES ( QP reference June 2019 paper 1-4)

1. DEFINE:

Examples:

→ This question is about the structures of atoms and ions.

(a) Define the term proton number.

....................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]

Ans: i. number of protons (1)

ii. protons in the nucleus (of an atom) (1)

2. STATE:
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W2.2.1 COMMAND WORDS

Examples:

→ State the electronic structure of the following atom and ion.

Al..................................................................................................................................

S2-............................................................................................................................... [2]

Ans: i. 2 8 3 (1)

ii. 2 8 8 (1)

→A compound of copper can be used to test for water.

(i) State the full name of this compound of copper.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) State the colour change that occurs when water is added to this compound of copper.

From.............................................................. To................................................................ [2]

Ans: i. anhydrous copper(II) sulfate 1

ii. a. white (1)

b. blue (1)

→State one use of argon.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

Ans: lamps / inert atmosphere (in metal extraction)

3. IDENTIFY:

Examples:

1. Complete the table to identify the atoms and ions which have the following numbers of
protons, neutrons and electrons.

Ans: 12p 12n 12e (1)

12p 14n 12e (1)

2. Aqueous potassium iodide reacts with aqueous copper (II) sulfate to produce iodine.
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W2.2.1 COMMAND WORDS

Identify the reducing agent.

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

Ans: KI / potassium iodide / iodide (ions) / I-

4. EXPLAIN:

Examples:

1. Which statement explains why ammonia gas, NH3, diffuses at a faster rate than hydrogen
chloride gas, HCl ?

A Ammonia expands to occupy all of the space available.

B Ammonia has a smaller relative molecular mass than hydrogen chloride.

C Ammonia is an alkali and hydrogen chloride is an acid.

D Ammonia molecules diffuse in all directions at the same time.

Ans: B

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2. Explain why the chemical properties of 12 Mg and 12 Mg are the same.

.............................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................... [2]

Ans: i. same number of electrons (1)

ii. (same number) of electrons in the outer shell (1)

3. Helium, neon and argon are noble gases.

(i) Explain, in terms of the electronic structure, why neon is unreactive.

.............................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................... [1]

Ans: has complete outer (electron) shell / has full outer (electron) shell / outer shell cannot

gain or lose electron(s) (1)

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W2.2.1 COMMAND WORDS

5. GIVE:

Examples:

1. Iron is a metal.

Give three physical properties that are characteristic of metals.

A............................................................................................................................................

B.................................................................................................................................................

C................................................................................................................................................. [3]

Ans: any three from:

• conduct electricity

• conduct heat

• malleable

• ductile

• shiny / lustrous (3)

2. What type of oxide is calcium oxide?

Give a reason for your answer.

.............................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................... [2]

Ans: I. Basic oxide (1)

ii. Calcium is a metal (oxide) (1)

III. What problems do you think your learners will have understanding the command words?

 Overlapping of ideas
 Confusions about command words meaning
 Lack of continuous use of command words

IV. Learner friendly transaction methods to avoid problems in understanding of command words;

 Give them learner friendly definitions

 Use hint words for easy to remember
 Conduct questionnaire session for learners including more command words.
 Give proper hints along with command words
 Make them practice with command words