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. Their meanings are relevant to this subject.
Estimate
In probability, ‘estimate’ implies using probability to estimate how many times an outcome might occur in a certain number of trials.
The word may also be used to reference a sample value being used to give an idea of a population value
Give your answer in its simplest form…
Cancel down a fraction as far as possible.
Show that…
Use words, numbers or algebra to show an answer.
Work out…
Normally means a calculation is involved but may be able to be done mentally.
Calculate
Will need a calculation that requires a calculator.
Use the graph
Do not calculate, read from the graph.
Give an exact value
In probability, this would imply the need for a fraction.
Give answer to a suitable/appropriate degree of accuracy
For example, if the question has values to two significant figures (sf), then give the give answer to two sf.
Complete the table
During marking, answers seen in the table take priority over answers seen in any working space or lines.
Design
Used for questionnaires and response sections, eg design an appropriate response section for this question.
Give answer to two decimal places (dp)/the nearest integer
Give answer to required accuracy. Students will lose a mark if they don’t do this.
Not drawn accurately
Written by a diagram to discourage measuring.