Command Words

Question 1

Add/ Label

Answer 1

Required the addition or labelling to a stimulus material given in the question, for example labelling a diagram or adding units to a table

Question 2

Asses

Answer 2

Give careful consideration to all the factors or events that apply and indentify which are the most important or relevant. Make a judgment on the importance of something, and come to a conclusion where needed.

Question 3

Calculate

Answer 3

Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. If the answer has a unit, this has to be included

Question 4

Comment on.

Answer 4

Requires the synthesis of a number and variables from data/information to form a judgement

Question 5

Compare and contrast

Answer 5

Looking for the similarities and differences of two (or more) things. Should not require the drawing of a conclusion. Answer must relate to both things mentioned in the question and must contain at least one similarity and one difference

Question 6

Complete

Answer 6

Requires the completion of a table/diagram

Question 7

Criticise

Answer 7

Inspect a set of data, an experimental plan or a scientific statement and consider the elements. Look at the merits and/or faults of the information presented and back judgements made

Question 8

Deduce

Answer 8

Draw conclusions from the information provided

Question 9

Derive

Answer 9

Combine two or more equations or principles to develop a new equation

Question 10

Describe

Answer 10

To give an account of somethin. Statements in the response need to be developed as they are often linked but do not need to include a justification or a reason

Question 11

Determine

Answer 11

The answer must have an element which is quantitative from the stimulus provided, or must show how the answer can be reached quantitatively

Question 12

Devise

Answer 12

Plan or invent a procedure from exisiting principles/ideas

Question 13

Discuss

Answer 13

• identify the issue/situation/problem that is being assessed within the Q
• Explore all aspects of an issue….
• Investigate the issue… by reasoning or argument

Question 14

Evaluate

Answer 14

Review information and then bring it together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence including strengths, weaknesses, alternative actions, relevant data or information. Come to a supported judgement of a subject’s qualities and relation to a context

Question 15

Explain

Answer 15

An explanation requires a justification of a point. The answer must contain some element of reasoning and this can include mathematical explanations

Question 16

give / state / name

Answer 16

Require recall of one or more pieces of information

Question 17

Identify

Answer 17

Usually requires some key information to be selected from a given stimulus

Question 18

Justify

Answer 18

Give evidence to support

Question 19

Plot

Answer 19

Produce a graph by marking points accurately on a grid from data that is provided and then drawing a line of best fit through these points. Suitable scale and labelled axes required

Question 20

Show that

Answer 20

Prove that a numerical figure is as it stands in the question. The answer must be to at least one more significant figure than the numerical figure in the Q

Question 21

Sketch

Answer 21

Produce a freehand drawing. For a graph, this would require a line and labelled axis with important features labelled

Question 22

State whar is meant by

Answer 22

When the meaning of a term is expected but there are different ways of how these can be described

Question 23

Write

Answer 23

When the question asks for an equ\tion