Command Words Glossary

What are Command Words?

Command words are specific terms used in exam questions that tell you what the examiner expects from your answer. These words guide you on how to approach the question, whether it's to describe something, explain a concept, or evaluate a situation.

Why are Command Words Important for Exams?

• Clarify What's Being Asked: Command words tell you exactly what to do. For example, "Describe" asks for details, while "Evaluate" asks you to judge or assess something.
• Structure Your Answer: They help you decide the structure of your response. For example, "Compare" means you'll need to discuss both similarities and differences.
• Get Full Marks: Understanding and responding to command words correctly ensures you answer in the way the examiners expect, increasing your chances of gaining full marks.
• Save Time: Knowing what the command words mean helps you focus directly on what's needed, saving time in the exam.

Command Words Glossary

Command word	Definition
Add	Join something to something else so as to increase the size, number, or amount.
Analyse	Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. Identify parts and relationships, and interpret information to reach conclusions.
Annotate	Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Calculate	Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.
Compare	Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Complete	Provide all the necessary or appropriate parts.
Convert	Change the form, character, or function of something.
Define	Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Describe	Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.
Design	Produce a plan, simulation or model.
Discuss	Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Draw	Produce (a picture or diagram) by making lines and marks on paper with a pencil, pen, etc.
Evaluate	Assess the implications and limitations. Make judgements about the ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria.
Explain	Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Give	Present information which determines the importance of an event or issue, or to show causation.
How	In what way or manner; by what means.
Identify	Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognise and state briefly a distinguishing factor or feature.
Justify	Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Label	Add title, labels or brief explanation(s) to a diagram or graph.
List	Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.
Order	Put the responses into a logical sequence.
Outline	Give a brief account or summary.
Refine	Make more efficient, improve, modify or edit.
Show	Give steps in a derivation or calculation.
Solve	Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods.
State	Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Tick	Mark (an item) with a tick or select (a box) on a form, questionnaire, etc. to indicate that something has been chosen.
What	Asking for information specifying something.
Write/Rewrite	Mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement/write (something) again so as to alter or improve it.