Command Terms

What does the term 'Analyse' imply in the context of answering a question?

• To give a short one sentence answer

• To consider something carefully and provide reasons and explanations

• To list the positives and negatives without drawing a conclusion

• To provide a simple overview without going into detail

When asked to 'Compare' in a question, what are you expected to do?

• Provide a detailed critique including a positive and a negative

• Focus on the similarities (and possibly include differences)

• Justify your answer with numbers and evidence

• State the required information in a short, clear sentence

If you are asked to 'Critique' something, what should your answer include?

• A positive aspect, a negative aspect, and a suggested improvement

• A list of ideas

• A short sentence stating the required component of the question

• An explanation of what something means without providing reasons

What does it mean to 'Define' a concept in an answer?

• To provide a positive and negative view and draw a conclusion

• To provide a short answer that includes essential information and terminology

• To give your point of view about the topic

• To use numbers to support your answer about the concept

What is required when you are instructed to 'Describe' a concept?

• To provide a positive and negative view and draw a conclusion

• To provide information on the concept and make it as clear as possible

• To provide reasoning as to why a fact or circumstance is true

• To use numbers to help explain your answer

What should you do when the question asks you to 'Discuss' a topic?

• List the topic's components in a short, clear sentence

• Debate the advantages and disadvantages of the topic

• Provide a brief overview of the topic's main factors

• Use numbers to support your points about the topic

What does 'Evaluate' entail when responding to a question?

• To describe the concept in question without providing an opinion

• To provide a list of similarities and differences

• To provide positive and negative aspects and then draw a conclusion

• To state the required information in a short sentence

When asked to 'Explain' something, what is expected in your answer?

• A comparison of similarities and differences

• A short answer ie. 1-3 words

• Information and reasoning as to describe the concept or idea

• A list of advantages and disadvantages without a conclusion

What does 'Identify/List/State/Name' require you to do in an answer?

• Provide a detailed explanation with examples

• To discuss different points of view about the topic

• Answer the question with in a single word or phrase, no explanation is required

• Provide a positive and negative view and suggest improvements

What should you do when you are asked to 'Interpret' something?

• Provide a list of facts, figures, and evidence

• Explain what something means (sometimes using information from a graph or table)

• Give an overview of the main factors or ideas

• Give a detailed description of the information