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 of command words and their meanings that are relevant to this subject. In addition, where necessary, we have included our own command words and their meanings to complement Ofqual's list.

Analyse

Separate information into components and identify their characteristics.

Apply

Put into effect in a recognised way.

Argue

Present a reasoned case.

Assess

Make an informed judgement.

Comment

Present an informed opinion.

Compare

Identify similarities and/or differences.

Consider

Review and respond to given information.

Contrast

Identify differences.

Criticise

Assess worth against explicit expectations.

Debate

Present different perspectives on an issue.

Define

Specify meaning.

Describe

Set out characteristics.

Discuss

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

Evaluate

Judge from available evidence.

Examine

Investigate closely.

Explain

Set out purposes or reasons.

Give

Produce an answer from recall.

Identify

Name or otherwise characterize.

Justify

Support a case with evidence.

Name

Identify using a recognised technical term.

Outline

Set out main characteristics.

Review

Survey information.

State

Express clearly and briefly.

Suggest

Present a possible case/solution.

Summarise

Present principal points without detail