Command words
Command words are the words and phrases used in exams and other assessment tasks that tell students how they should answer a question.
The following command words are from Ofqual’s official list. Their meanings are relevant to this subject.
Analyse
Look at the information provided and break it down to identify and interpret the main points being raised
Compare
Identify similarities and/or differences
Consider
Review and respond to the information given
Define
Specify meaning
Explain
Set out purposes or reasons
Give
Produce an answer from recall
How
State in what ways…
Identify
Name or characterise
Outline
Set out main characteristics
State
Express in clear terms
To what extent
Judge the importance / success / merit of something
What
Specify/select something
Which
Specify/select from a range of possibilities
Why
Give a reason or purpose