Command words:

Command words are the words and phrases used in exams and other assessment tasks that tell students how they should answer the question. The following command words are taken from Ofqual’s official list. Their meanings are relevant to this subject. 

Analyse: Separate information into components and identify their characteristics. 

Apply: Put into effect in a recognised way. 

Calculate: Work out the value of something. 

Compare: Identify similarities and or differences. 

Complete: Finish a task by adding to given information. 

Consider: Review and respond to given information. 

Define: Specify meaning. Describe Set out characteristics. 

Discuss: Present key points about different ideas or strengths and weaknesses of an idea. 

Draw: To produce, or add to, a diagram Evaluate Judge from available evidence. 

Explain: Set out purposes or reasons. 

Give: Produce an answer from recall. Identify Name or otherwise characterise. 

Illustrate: Present clarifying examples. Interpret Translate information into recognisable form. 

Justify: Support a case with evidence. 

Label: Provide appropriate names on a diagram. 

Name: Identify using a recognised technical term. 

Plot: Mark on a graph. Outline Set out main characteristics. 

Sketch: Draw approximately. 

Suggest: Present a possible case/solution. 

State: Express clearly and briefly.