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Using Command Words in Your Exam | Unit 1 Children's Development

Level:
AAQ BTEC National
Board:
Pearson BTEC

Last updated 17 Oct 2025

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This resource covers the command words used in the Unit 1 Children's Development exam. It is ideal for a student handout or even a classroom poster display.

For each command word:

  • The Pearson definition is given, with a simple student friendly explanation of what this requires
  • An example of it in use in an exam question is given, alongside an appropriate response
  • The relevant assessment outcome(s) is shown

For short and extended open response command words additional information is provided on suggested technique for responding effectively to:

  • Explain
  • Discuss
  • Assess
  • Evaluate

A quick summary and exemplar answers are provided for the extended open response questions (discuss, assess, evaluate).

The final page displays a table which summarises each command word, the definition of the word and skill or technique for responding, the typical mark range for this question type and the linked assessment outcomes.

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