Command Terms

List of command terms:

Questions which begin with a command term in green (AO1) are descriptive and worth few marks in exams: more time should always be devoted to questions which begin with command terms in blue (AO2) or red (A03) which are more analytical and are usually worth more marks on exams papers. Assessment Objectives written in black (AO4) refer to drawing skills (annotated maps and diagrams, graphs)

• Analyze (AO2): Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure

• Annotate (AO4): Add brief notes to a diagram or graph

• Classify (AO2): Arrange or order by class or category

• Compare (AO3): Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout

• Compare and contrast (AO3): Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout

• Construct (AO4): Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form

• Contrast (AO3): Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout

• Define (AO1): Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity

• Describe (AO1): Give a detailed account

• Determine (AO1): Obtain the only possible answer

• Discuss (AO3): Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence

• Distinguish (AO2): Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items

• Draw (AO4): Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined in a straight line or smooth curve

• Estimate (AO1): Obtain an approximate value

• Evaluate (AO3): Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations

• Examine (AO3): Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue

• Explain (AO2): Give a detailed account including reasons or causes

• Identify (AO1): Provide an answer from a number of possibilities

• Justify (AO3): Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion

• Label (AO4): Add labels to a diagram

• Outline (AO1): Give a brief account or summary

• State (AO1): Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation

• Suggest (AO2): Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer

• To what extent (AO3): Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with empirical evidence and sound argument

Understanding keywords in exam questions:

• Referring to: using, mentioning explicitly

• Outcome: consequence, result

• Benefits/costs: positive/negative outcomes

• Pressures/conflicts: undesirable competition

• Challenges: difficulties which may be overcome

• Social: relates to human welfare (e.g. housing, health)

• Cultural: relates to languages, customs, religions, moral codes

• Political: relates to government actions

• Demographic: relates to populations (e.g. fertility)

• Environmental: relates to the physical environment

• Issues: important and controversial results

• Trend: change over time (usually on a graph)

• Pattern: distribution in space (ie: can be mapped)

• Process: actions or changes which occur between two parts/stages

• Relationship: two-way interactions

• Global scale: the entire world

• Regional scale: large regions (e.g. Europe, Asia Pacific)

• National scale: within one country

• Local scale: immediate district or state