Command Words

Question	Answer
Annotate	Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Calculate	Use numbers that are given in the question to work out the answer.
Choose	Select from a range of alternatives.
Classify	Arrange or order by class or category.
Construct	Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.
Compare	Describe the similarities and/or differences between things, not just write about one.
Complete	Answers should be written in the space provided, for example, on a diagram, in spaces in a sentence, or a table.
Deduce	Reach a conclusion from the information given.
Define	Specify the meaning of something.
Describe	Recall some facts, events or process in an accurate way.
Design	Set out how something will be done.
Determine	Use the given data or information to obtain an answer.
Distinguish	Make the differences clear between to or more concepts or items.
Draw	To produce, or add to, a diagram.
Estimate	Assign an approximate value.
Evaluate	Use the information supplied, as well as common knowledge and understanding, to consider evidence as for and against.
Explain	Make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening.
Explore	Undertake a systematic process of discovery.
Justify	Use evidence from the information supplied to support an answer.
Give	Only a short answer is required, not an explanation or a description.
Identify	Name or characterise.
Interpret	Use knowledge and understanding to recognise trends and draw conclusions from given information.
Investigate	Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Label	Provide appropriate names on a diagram.
List	Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.
Measure	Find an item of data for a given quantity.
Name	Only a short is required, not an explanation or a description. Often it can be answered with a single word, phrase or sentence.
Plan	Write a method.
Plot	Mark on a graph using data given.
Predict	Gice a plausible outcome.
Show	Provide stuctured evidence to reach a conclusion.
Sketch	Draw approximately.
State	Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation.
Suggest	This term is used in questions where students need to apply their knowledge and understanding to a new situation.
Use	The answer must be based on the information given in the question. Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.
Work out	Should use numbers given in the question to work out the answer.
Write	Only a short answer is required, not an explanation or a description.

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	Created by Fiyinfoluwa Adeniyi about 6 years ago