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.

Calculate

Work out the value of something.

Choose

Select from a range of alternatives.

Comment

Present an informed opinion.

Compare

Identify similarities and/or differences.

Complete

Finish a task by adding to given information.

Consider

Review and respond to given information.

Describe

Give an account of.

Design

Set out how something will be done.

Discuss

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

Distinguish

Explain ways in which two things differ. Provide detail of characteristic that enable a person to know the difference between …

Draw

Produce a diagram.

Evaluate

Judge from available evidence.

Explain

Set out purposes or reasons.

Explain how

Give a detailed account of a process or way of doing something.

Explain why

Give a detailed account of reasons in relation to a particular situation.

Identify

Name or otherwise characterise.

Give

Produce an answer from recall or from given information.

Justify

Provide reasons, reasoned argument to support, possibly provide evidence.

Label

Provide appropriate names on a diagram.

Name

Identify using a recognised technical term.

Outline

Set out main characteristics.

Select

Choose or pick out from alternatives.

State

Express in clear terms.

Suggest

Present a possible case/solution.

Which is

Select from alternatives.

What is meant by

Give a definition.

Write

Provide information in verbatim form.