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. We’ve added our own command words and their meanings to complement Ofqual’s list.
Analyse
Separate information into components and identify their characteristics.
Annotate
Add notation or labelling to a graph, diagram or other drawing.
Apply
Put into effect in a recognised way.
Argue
Present a reasoned case.
Assess
Make an informed judgement.
Calculate
Work out the value of something.
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.
Contrast
Identify differences.
Criticise
Access worth against explicit expectations.
Debate
Present different perspectives on an issue.
Deduce
Draw conclusions from information provided.
Define
Specify meaning.
Describe
Give an account of.
Design
Set out how something will be done.
Determine
Use given data or information to obtain and answer.
Develop
Take forward or build upon given information.
Discuss
Present key points.
Distinguish
List the differences between different items.
Draw
Produce a diagram.
Estimate
Assign an approximate value.
Evaluate
Judge from available evidence.
Explain
Give reasons.
Explore
Investigate without preconceptions about the outcome.
Give
Produce an answer from recall or from given information.
Identify
Name or otherwise characterise.
Justify
Support a case with evidence.
Label
Provide appropriate names on a diagram.
List
List a number of features or points without further elaboration.
Name
Identify using a recognised technical term.
Outline
Set out main characteristics.
Predict
Give a plausible outcome.
Relate
Give a technical term or its equivalent.
Show
Provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion.
Sketch
Draw approximately.
State
Express in clear terms.
Suggest
Present a possible case.