Command Verbs

What is a key exam skill?

• taking breaks

• Knowing the expected way to respond to a command word

• Writing lengthy essays

• Drawing diagrams

What is the purpose of the command word "Compare"?

• Give an account or set out characteristics.

• Identify similarities and/or differences.

• Set out purposes or reasons.

• Express in clear, brief terms.

What does "Summarise" require you to do?

• Brief statement of the main points.

• Give a detailed account of a process.

• Identify using a recognised technical term.

• Add names to an image or diagram.

What does the command word "Explain" require you to do?

• Set out purposes or reasons or make something clear in relation to a particular situation.

• List items in a sequence.

• Identify key features.

• Express in brief terms.

What is the purpose of the command word "Describe"?

• Identify similarities and/or differences.

• Give a detailed account of something.

• Provide a brief summary.

• Set out purposes or reasons.

What does "Evaluate" require you to do?

• Make a judgment based on criteria.

• List the main points.

• Identify using a technical term.

• Express in clear, brief terms.

What does the command word "Analyse" require you to do?

• Make logical, evidence-based connections between the components.

• Provide a brief summary.

• Identify similarities and/or differences.

• Express in clear, brief terms.

What does the command word "Outline" require you to do?

• Set out main characteristics or features

• Make a judgment based on criteria.

• Identify key features.

• Set out purposes or reasons.

What does the command verb mean to 'identify'?

• brief statement of the main points

• Name or otherwise characterise

• select from a range of alternatives

• identify similarities and/ or differences

Discuss how the command verb "describe" differs from "explain."

• "Describe" asks for a detailed account, "explain" asks for understanding

• "Describe" asks for a brief overview, "explain" asks for detailed reasons

• There is no difference

• "Describe" asks for causes, "explain" asks for effects