Understanding Command Words and Effects

What does the command word "Define" ask you to do?

• Give a reason for something

• Break down a concept into parts

• Say what a word or term means

• Describe how something works

What does the command word "Identify" ask you to do?

• Write a detailed explanation

• Point something out or name it

• Give both pros and cons

• Predict a possible outcome

What does the command word "Describe" ask you to do?

• Say what you see

• Make a prediction

• Define a concept

• Give reasons for a decision

What does the command word "Explain" ask you to do?

• Give a definition

• Say what you see

• Give a reason for something

• Identify key words in the question

What does "Fully Explain" mean in an exam?

• Just define and describe a term

• Give reasons, advantages/disadvantages, and consequences

• Only write the advantages

• State your opinion

If a question asks you to “Analyse,” what should you do?

• List facts in bullet points

• Describe what happened

• Break it down, find links, and discuss outcomes

• Give your personal opinion

Which command word is most likely to ask for short and long-term effects?

• Identify

• Explain

• Analyse

• Define

Which of these command words requires you to find both advantages and disadvantages?

• Define

• Fully Explain

• Describe

• Identify

Which command word is most basic and usually worth the least marks?

• Analyse

• Fully Explain

• Identify

• Explain

Which command word is likely to appear in an Excellence-level question?

• Define

• Identify

• Analyse

• Describe