Exam Skills ES

Command Word Meaning

Analyse To divide or break down the subject matter or topic into parts, reasons,
aspects, etc. and then examine their nature and relationship.
Assess To present judgments of the factors raised, their significance, importance and
why they are important and/or significant.
Calculate To ascertain or determine by mathematical processes.
Comment To give opinions (with justification) on an issue or statement by considering
the issues relevant to it.
Compare and contrast To provide a point-by-point account of the similarities and differences
between two sets of information or two areas.
Consider To offer some detail about an issue or event and to deliberate about the value
of that issue/event.
Define To give the meaning of a word, phrase or concept, determine or fix the
boundaries or extent of. A relatively short answer, usually one or two
sentences, where there is a generally recognised or accepted expression.
Demonstrate To prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence how some relationship or
event has occurred.
Describe To give a detailed written account of the distinctive features of a subject. The
account should be factual, without any attempt to explain.
Determine To come to a decision as the result of investigation or reasoning.
Discuss To give a critical account of the points involved in the topic.
Distinguish To present the differences between; to separate into kinds, classes, or
categories.
Evaluate To determine the value or character of something by careful appraisal.
Explain To provide an understanding. To make an idea or relationship clear.
Give To provide short, factual answers.

NB: Normally a single word, phrase or sentence will be sufficient.

Identify To give a reference to an item, which could be its name or title.
Justify To prove or show to be valid, sound, or conforming to fact or reason.
Outline To indicate the principal features or different parts of.
Recommend To bring forward as being fit or worthy; to indicate as being one’s choice for
something.
Review To make a survey of; examine, look over carefully and give a critical account.

We have provided some sample answers that a student may give, together with some possible answer points that the
examiners would expect to see covered. They are based on examiners’ reports, but neither the student response
nor the possible answer points are model answers. The possible answers are also NOT provided as a full answer
- in an exam you would need to expand upon the bullet points, taking into account the command words, in order to
answer the question correctly. Providing the examiner with such a brief answer would not attract good marks.

© RRC International Unit IC Element IC1: Workplace Welfare Requirements and Specific Workplace Issues 1-49