Command words

Account for

Say why something happens, with reasons.

Analyse

Identify the separate features of something, and then look at those features in very close detail. Look at the for and the against. Say how the features are related and how each one contributes to the topic.

Apply

Put relevant skills/understanding/knowledge/theories into operation or use.

Appraise

Identify the separate features of something and say why they are positive and/or negative.

Assess

Identify the separate features of something and say which are the most important or relevant.

Clarify

Look at the features of something and make it less confused and more clear.

Comment on

Look at the features of something and give your views/reactions. Say how important the positive/negative aspects are.

Compare

Look at the main features of two or more things, then write about the similarities/differences. Say if the similarities/differences are important, and how they are important.

Conclude

Look at the evidence, then use reasoning to arrive at a judgement or opinion.

Contrast

Look at the main features of two or more opposing things, and explain the differences. Say if the differences are important, and how they are important.

Critically analyse

Decide how well (or not) something works by looking at the features in detail. Write about the strengths and weaknesses, and think about possible alternatives.

Critically apply

Put relevant skills/understanding/knowledge/theories into operation or use, and, if necessary, adapt to fit a particular context. Give reasons for why the choices have been made, including the strengths and weaknesses, and think about possible alternatives.

Critically evaluate

Decide how true or how important something is (or not) by looking at the features in detail. Write about the strengths and weaknesses, and think about possible alternatives. If possible, use formal criteria so that you know which features are important.

Define

Clearly say what a particular thing means, for example a word or an idea. If appropriate, give an example to show what you mean. Say if different people could understand the meaning differently, and why this could be the case.

Demonstrate

Show relevant examples that support the point(s) you want to make. This may include showing your practical skills.

Describe

Write or speak about relevant features – think of it as ‘painting a picture with words’.

Design

Come up with a plan (or draw an image) that will help the reader understand something.

Discuss

Write or speak about the important features of something. Look at the for and the against, as well as any relevant consequences.

Distinguish

Highlight the main characteristics between two or more features.

Draw conclusions

Reach a logical decision, by using the evidence you have found.

Elucidate

Write (or speak) about something to make it clear to the reader (or listener).

Evaluate

Using the evidence, assess the worth, importance or usefulness of something. Look at the for and the against. Bring the information together to reach a logical conclusion.

Examine

Put something ‘under a microscope’. Look at the features closely and find evidence that clearly supports the point(s) you are making.

Explain

Set out the meaning of something, with details. Give example(s) to show what you mean. Start by introducing the topic, then clearly give the ‘why’ and/or ‘how’.

Identify

Draw attention to the main feature(s) of something. Check with your tutor if you write a list, or full sentences.

Illustrate

Create an image, chart or diagram to show what you mean. Find evidence that backs up your point.

Interpret

Look at something and then write (or talk) about its meaning(s) or relevance(s). Say if different people could understand it differently, and why this could be the case.

Investigate

Inquire or research something. Examine the facts.

Judge

Give an opinion about something, based on the information you have found. Give examples to make your point.

Justify

Give ‘how’ and ‘why’ reasons to support an idea or viewpoint, and show how a decision was arrived at. Think about if other people may have a different point-of-view, and why.

List

Break the information into short sentences, rather than continuous sentences. Use bullet points.

Measure

Look at the importance, effect, or value of something. Look at the strengths and the weaknesses. If possible, use formal criteria so that you know which features are important.

Outline

Clearly write (or say) the main features only. Do not include details or examples.

Plan

Work out and write down how you would carry out a task or activity.

Propose

Put forward ideas, plans or suggestions for consideration by others.

Reason

Use evidence to arrive at logical decisions.

Reflect

Look back upon something and pick out the separate features, saying why they were positive and/or negative. Make suggestions for how something could be improved, with the intention of influencing future events.

Relate

Find the similarities, differences and connections between two or more features.

Review

Look at something with the intention of making changes and/or improvements.

State

Write a clear and full account of the main features (like a list, but written in full sentences).

Summarise

Clearly write or say the main points or essential features only. Do not include details or examples.

Trace

Follow the order of different stages in an event or process.