Command words

Command words are the words and phrases used in exams

that tell students how they should answer the question.

Analyse Interpret data to arrive at a conclusion.

Calculate Work out the value of something. use maths to answer .
Comment Present an informed opinion.
Compare Identify similarities and/or differences.
Complete Finish a task by adding to given information.
Deduce Draw conclusions from information provided.
Define Specify meaning , what does the word mean?
Describe Set out characteristics. what it looks like, or recall an event or
process
Design / Plan plan something , Set out how something will be done.
Determine Use given data or information to obtain an answer.
Draw Produce a diagram , draw a scientific diagram, not an arty sketch
Estimate Assign an approximate value. give a sensible guess
Evaluate Judge from available evidence. give good points, bad points
your option and justify your opinion
Explain Set out purposes or reasons. give reasons why something is the
way it is
Give Produce an answer from recall or from given information.
Identify Name or otherwise characterise. Label name a part, give and
answer and support it with a reason
Justify Support a case with evidence.
Label Provide appropriate names on a diagram.
List List a number of features or points without further elaboration.
Name Identify using a recognised technical term.
1
Outline Set out main characteristics.
Predict Give a plausible outcome.

Show Provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion.

State Express in clear terms.

Suggest Present a possible case/solution
Choose circle the answer from the selection
Compare what are the similarities and differences
Complete fill in the gaps - pay attention to any given words, some may
be used more than once some not at all
Give/Name a short answer
Measure you might need to get your ruler out for this one
Plan write a method, don’t forget your variables, controls and risk
assessment
Plot mark points on a graph using an x
Predict/suggest what do you think is going to happen, you may need to
use information from the question and knowledge from class
Show give evidence and come to a conclusion
Sketch a rough drawing, a graph doesn’t always need number labels on
the axis, but it must be an accurate representation