command words used in essay questions
The command words in a question indicate to candidates the nature of the answer they should give, and also give an indication of the skills being tested. There are further details available on assessment objectives elsewhere on this section of the site.
Here are some examples of command words and the way they tend to be used:
Analyse
Here you need to provide a detailed comparison of the causes and effects of how something has happened / developed. Wherever possible use examples, especially if the stimulus material has some within it. Sometimes the word "critically" is inserted before analyse. This means that you must make suggestions as to why / why not something would / would not, in your opinion, be appropriate to the issue being analysed. As ever, it's best to offer support to your findings/opinions.
Apply
Apply your knowledge of, say the marketing mix, to a particular situation. You need to relate your specific knowledge of the syllabus area to the situation you have been given.
Calculate
This normally requires specific knowledge of, say a formula. You must show each step of the calculation.
Comment
This calls for you to draw conclusions about what the result of your workings / calculations tell you about the problem you have been set.
Compare
This calls on you to look for and state the differences / similarities between two or more sets of numbers, trends or a situation in which two distinct patterns emerge.
Consider
What are the different options that exist to solve / resolve / defeat / correct the situation you have been given.
Define
You must give the PRECISE meaning of what you are being asked.
Discuss
This asked for a DETAILED explanation considering the possible outcomes and where possible offering support to your descriptions.
Evaluate
You are now being asked to judge / assess /, using whatever information is available, the probable outcome / worth / advantages / disadvantages / success of whatever is central to the question.
Explain (why)
This needs a detailed response with reasons about HOW something will, for example, benefit or improve a particular situation.
Explain (how)
This needs a detailed response that gives reasons WHY something might help / hinder the central issue of the question.
How
You need to show details of in what way something is achieved or stopped or whatever exercise you are asked to perform.
Justify
This calls for you to explain why / give reasons for something happening or nor happening.
Outline
You need only give the main features of, say, why something might or might not happen.
What is
This also calls for an explanation about something. Normally it is obvious what is central to the question and that is the topic to address.
Which
You are now being called upon to make a decision as to, say, the most appropriate of a range of choices / decisions / methods etc. available. You need to say WHY you would support a particular decision.
Why
This asks for you to explain something, often the advantages / disadvantages of a particular aspect of the syllabus.
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