Specifications that use this resource:
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.