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.

Annotate

Add notation or labelling to a graph, diagram or other drawing.

Apply

Use information in a new context.

Calculate

Work out the value of something.

Comment

Make a judgement based on a value.

Compare

Identify similarities and/or differences.

Complete

Finish a task by adding to given information

Construct

Assemble a piece of equipment, usually in the context of ISA or EMPA test.

Deduce

Draw conclusions from information provided.

Derive

Obtain a relationship or equation from the manipulation of fundamental relationships and/or data.

Describe

Give an account of

Design

Set out how something will be done.

Determine

Use given data or information to obtain an answer.

Discuss

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

Distinguish

List the differences between different items.

Draw

Produce a diagram.

Evaluate

Judge from available evidence.

Explain

Give reasons

Identify

Provide an answer from a number of alternatives.

List

List a number of features or points without further elaboration.

Measure

Find an item of data for a given quantity.

Outline

Set out main characteristics.

Predict

Give a plausible outcome.

Show

Provide structured evidence to reach a conlusion

Sketch

Draw approximately.

Solve

Arrive at answer using a numerical or algebraic method.

State

Express in clear terms.

Suggest

Present a possible case/solution.

Write

Recall basic knowledge possibly after a simple numerical manipulation.