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Command verbs.

Command verbs are those words that help you recognise how to answer a question and also gives you oan idea of how long and detailed your answer needs to be. It is usually the first word of the question.  The table below is the T-Level official guidance on what different command verbs mean and how to answer them.   

 

Command Word Use
Assess



 
Evaluate or estimate the quality of a given topic to make an
informed judgement, may include advantages and
disadvantages.
Analyse

Separate information into component parts.

Make logical, evidence-based connections between the
components.

Calculate Work out the value of something, showing relevant working
Choose Select from a range of alternatives (MCQ)
Compare Identify similarities and/or differences
Complete Finish a task by adding to given information
Consider Review and respond to given information
Define Give a definition or specify meaning of an idea or concept.
Describe Give an account of or set out characteristics or features
Discuss Present key points about different ideas or strengths and
weaknesses of an idea. There should be some element of
balance, although not necessarily equal weighting.
Evaluate Review information and bring it together to make judgements
and conclusions from available evidence. Students may also use
their own understanding to consider evidence for and against.
Explain Set out purposes or reasons or make something clear in relation
to a particular situation. An explanation requires understanding
to be demonstrated.
Explain how Give a detailed account of a process or way of doing something.
Give examples Answers should include relevant examples in the context of the
question.
Identify Name or otherwise characterise.
Justify Support a case or idea with evidence. This might reasonably
involve discussing and discounting alternative views or actions.
Label Add names, indicating their correct position to an image or
diagram
List Give a selection of answers, as many as the question indicates.
Name Identify using a recognised technical term.
Outline Set out main the characteristics or features.
Show Provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion.
State Express in clear, brief terms.
Summarise Brief statement of the main points.
Suggest (what/why/how) Present a possible cause or solution. Apply knowledge to a new
situation to provide a reasoned explanation.
Use or Using
(Figure 1, Table 2, the information
above/in the scenario, your own
knowledge and understanding)
Answer must be based on information given in the question. In
some cases, students may be asked to use their own knowledge
and understanding.
Work out Perform one or a set of steps or calculation to arrive at an
answer.

From T-Level Support Materials: Command Verbs