AAT4 Command Verbs used in Written Questions

Question	Answer
IDENTIFY	Select, name or otherwise characterise something.
DESCRIBE	Give the main characteristics, details and qualities of something. Characteristics are features.
EXPLAIN	Give the purpose or reasons for something; describe how and why.
COMPARE	Identify similarities and differences between at least two given things (items/sets of results/situations).
ANALYSE	Separate information into separate parts and identify their characteristics
DISCUSS	Give an account or response that considers a range of ideas or arguments (for and against) to come to a conclusion showing a balance of thinking.
RECOMMEND	Suggest or put forward a preferred option/solution/course of action with reasons why. This is where you must suggest a course of action and state why you’ve made the suggestions. It’s important to be clear about both the recommendation and the reasons for the decision.
JUSTIFY	Give supporting arguments for actions or decision made using evidence. This is about stating clear reasons for recommending a course of action, including stating why these reasons are relevant.
EVALUATE	Make a value judgement on something based on a range of factors, using available knowledge/experience/evidence.
ASSESS	Consider the evidence presented and come to a reasoned judgement based on relevant facts.

Resource summary

	Created by Liz Barraclough almost 7 years ago