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.

Describe

Set out characteristics.

Tests students' ability to provide a description of relevant sociological theories, concepts, evidence or methods as applied to a particular context.

For exampe, 'Identify and describe one example'.

Discuss

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

Tests students' ability to provide an extended answer covering the full range of assessment objectives. Including their ability to analyse and evaluate in order to construct arguments, make judgements and draw conclusions.

For example, 'Discuss how far sociologists would agree that feminism has changed marriage in modern British society'.

Examine

Investigate closely.

Tests students' ability to make judgements and draw conclusions with regard to an example that has been provided.

For example, 'Examine one strength [or weakness] of the research'.

Explain

Set out purposes or reasons.

Tests students' ability to provide an explanation of relevant sociological theories, concepts, evidence or methods as applied to a specified context.

For example, 'Identify and explain one advantage of using unstructured interviews to investigate relationships between family members'.

Identify

Name or otherwise characterise.

Tests students' ability to select relevant sociological theories, concepts, evidence or methods.

For example, 'Identify and describe one example of how patriarchy can affect the power relationship within families'.