Historical Command Terms

Argue

• Challenge or debate an issue or idea.

• Agree without question.

• Avoid discussing the topic.

• Accept all statements as true.

To what extent

• Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

• Only present opinions without supporting evidence.

• Focus solely on the emotional appeal of the argument.

• Dismiss the argument without consideration.

Describe

• Give a detailed account of an event or situation.

• Summarize the main points of a discussion.

• Provide a brief overview of a topic.

• List the key features of an object.

Compare and Contrast

• Identify the differences between two items only.

• Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

• List the advantages of one item over another.

• Discuss the historical context of two items without comparing them.

Analyze

• To identify parts and connections, and to interpret information to reach conclusions.

• To summarize information in a concise manner.

• To memorize facts and figures without understanding.

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a solution based on outcomes.

Compare

• To analyze the differences between two items or situations.

• To give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

• To summarize the main points of a single item or situation.

• To evaluate the effectiveness of one item or situation over another.

Justify

• Provide a summary of the main points.

• Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

• State an opinion without evidence.

• Explain the consequences of an action.

Explain

• Provide a brief summary of a topic.

• Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

• List the main points without elaboration.

• Offer a personal opinion on the subject.

Contrast

• Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations.

• Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

• Provide a summary of the main features of a single item or situation.

• List the advantages and disadvantages of a particular item or situation.

Examine

• Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.

• To look at something quickly without much detail.

• To ignore the details and focus on the overall picture.

• To analyze data without drawing any conclusions.