Command terms

Question 1

Annotate

Answer 1

Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

Question 2

Apply

Answer 2

Use knowledge and understanding in response to a given situation or real circumstances. Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in
relation to a given problem or issue. (See also “Use”.)

Question 3

Calculate

Answer 3

Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.

Question 4

Classify

Answer 4

Arrange or order by class or category.

Question 5

Comment

Answer 5

Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Question 6

Compare

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Compare and contrast

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Construct

Answer 8

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Question 9

Contrast

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Create*

Answer 10

To evolve from one’s own thought or imagination, as a work or an invention.

Question 11

Critique*

Answer 11

Provide a critical review or commentary, especially when dealing with works of art or literature. (See also “Evaluate”.)

Question 12

Deduce

Answer 12

Reach a conclusion from the information given.

Question 13

Define

Answer 13

Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.

Question 14

Demonstrate

Answer 14

Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application.

Question 15

Derive

Answer 15

Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.

Question 16

Describe

Answer 16

Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.

Question 17

Design

Answer 17

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Question 18

Determine

Answer 18

Obtain the only possible answer.

Question 19

Develop*

Answer 19

To improve incrementally, elaborate or expand in detail. Evolve to a more advanced or effective state.

Question 20

Differentiate

Answer 20

Obtain the derivative of a function.

Question 21

Discuss

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Distinguish

Answer 22

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Question 23

Document*

Answer 23

Credit sources of information used by referencing (or citing) following a recognized referencing system. References should be included in
the text and also at the end of the piece of work in a reference list or bibliography.

Question 24

Draw

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Estimate

Answer 25

Obtain an approximate value for an unknown quantity.

Question 26

Evaluate

Answer 26

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations. (See also “Critique”.)

Question 27

Examine

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Explain

Answer 28

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes. (See also “Justify”.)

Question 29

Explore

Answer 29

Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

Question 30

Find

Answer 30

Obtain an answer showing relevant stages in the working.

Question 31

Formulate

Answer 31

Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept(s) or argument(s).

Question 32

Hence

Answer 32

Use the preceding work to obtain the required result.

Question 33

Otherwise

Answer 33

It is suggested that the preceding work is used, but other methods could also receive credit.

Question 34

Identify

Answer 34

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.

Question 35

Integrate

Answer 35

Obtain the integral of a function.

Question 36

Interpret

Answer 36

Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions from given information.

Question 37

Investigate

Answer 37

Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Question 38

Justify

Answer 38

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion. (See also “Explain”.)

Question 39

Label

Answer 39

Add a title, labels or brief explanation(s) to a diagram or graph.

Question 40

List

Answer 40

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Question 41

Measure

Answer 41

Obtain a value for a quantity.

Question 42

Organize*

Answer 42

Put ideas and information into a proper or systematic order.

Question 43

Outline

Answer 43

Give a brief account or summary.

Question 44

Plot

Answer 44

Mark the position of points on a diagram.

Question 45

Predict

Answer 45

Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event.

Question 46

Present

Answer 46

Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.

Question 47

Prioritize*

Answer 47

Give relative importance to, or put in an order of preference.

Question 48

Prove

Answer 48

Use a sequence of logical steps to obtain the required result in a formal way.

Question 49

Select*

Answer 49

Choose from a list or group.

Question 50

Show

Answer 50

Give the steps in a calculation or derivation.

Question 51

Show that

Answer 51

Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the formality of proof. “Show that” questions do not generally require the use of a calculator.

Question 52

Sketch

Answer 52

Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labelled as appropriate). The sketch should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include relevant features.

Question 53

Solve

Answer 53

Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods.

Question 54

State

Answer 54

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

Question 55

Suggest

Answer 55

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Question 56

Summarize*

Answer 56

Abstract a general theme or major point(s).

Question 57

Synthesize*

Answer 57

Combine different ideas in order to create new understanding.

Question 58

To what extent

Answer 58

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.

Question 59

Trace

Answer 59

Follow and record the action of an algorithm.

Question 60

Use

Answer 60

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice. (See also “Apply”.)

Question 61

Verify

Answer 61

Provide evidence that validates the result.

Question 62

Write down

Answer 62

Obtain the answer(s), usually by extracting information. Little or no calculation is required. Working does not need to be shown.