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

Interpret data to arrive at a conclusion.

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.

Deduce

Draw conclusions from information provided.

Define

Specify meaning.

Describe

Set out characteristics.

Design

Set out how something will be done.

Determine

Use given data or information to obtain an answer.

Draw

Produce a diagram.

Estimate

Assign an approximate value.

Evaluate

Judge from available evidence.

Explain

Set out purposes or reasons.

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.

Show

Provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion.

Sketch

Draw approximately.

State

Express in clear terms.

Suggest

Present a possible case/solution.