Knowing your

command words will help you

understand the question…

Learn them!

List

This expects you to do no morethan examine the data,

extract information from it and make a list.

Identify

Slightly harder than list -you need to extract froma selection of information

and use the correct terminology to identify it.

Describe

Harder still - say in sentences what you can see.

Always use correct terminology.

Explain

This may also appear as ‘givereasons’ or ‘account for’

or ‘suggest why’. You needto write in sentences showing

your understanding of a process or a feature.

Compare

This means look forsimilarities and differences.Look for patterns and stilluse geographical terms.

Analyse and evaluate

The hardest sort of question. Here you need to weigh up

theevidence - consider

impartiality,reliability, bias, values and

attitudes - offer a judgement.

Check out the revision booklet for more handy hints

Account forExplain the process or reason for something being the way it is.

DiscussExplore the subject by looking at its advantages and disadvantages (i.e. for and against). Attempt to come to some sort of judgement.

AnalyseExplore the main ideas of the subject, show they are important and how they are related.

DistinguishExplain the difference.

CalculateFind out using mathematics.

EnumerateMake a list of the points under discussion.

Comment onDiscuss the subject, explain it and give an opinion on it.

EstimateGuess the amount or value.

CompareShow the similarities (but you can also point out the differences).

ExplainDescribe, giving reasons ad causes.

CompleteFinish off.

ExpressPut the ideas into words.

ConcludeDecide after reasoning something out.

EvaluateGive an opinion by exploring the good and bad points. It’s a bit like asking you to assess something. Attempt to support your argument with expert opinion.

ConciseShort and brief.

FactorsThe fact or circumstances that contribute to a result.

ContrastShow the differences ~ compare and contrast questions are very common in exams – they want you to say how something is similar and how it may be different too.

Give an account ofDescribe.

CriticiseAnalyse and them make a judgement or give an opinion. You could show both the good and bad points. You could refer to an expert’s opinion within this question.

Give reasons forUse words like because in your answer as you will be explaining how or why something is that way.

DefineGive the meaning. This should be short.

IdentifyRecognise, prove something as being certain.

DescribeGive a detailed account.

IllustrateShow by explaining and giving examples.

DifferentiateExplore and explain the difference.

IndicatePoint out, make something known.

InterpretExplain the meaning by using examples and opinions.

RelateShow the connection between things.

JustifyGive a good reason for offering an opinion.

State Write briefly the main points.

ListAn item-by-item record of relevant images. This would normally be in note form without any need to be descriptive.

SummariseGive the main points of an idea or argument. Leave out unnecessary details that could cloud the issue.

OutlineConcentrate on the main bits of the topic or item. Ignore the minor detail.

TraceShow how something has developed from beginning to end.

ProveGive real evidence, not opinion, which proves an argument and shows it to be true.

Level marking

Level 1 Basic Grade E or F

Level 2 DetailedGrade C or D

Level 3ThoroughGrade A or B