Command terms
Command terms are used in examination questions to indicate the required depth of treatment for candidate responses. There is a progression in demand from AO 1 to 3. Examination questions may use any command term from the AO level specified in the paper descriptions found in this guide.
The command terms tell you what kind of answer is expected for the question. The command terms are ordered by difficulty which is shown by their assessment objective (AO) level.
AO1: Knowledge and understanding Define, Describe, Identify, List, Outline
AO2: Application and analysis Analyse, Distinguish, Explain, Suggest
AO3: Evaluation and synthesis Compare, Compare and contrast, Contrast, Discuss, Evaluate, Examine, Justify, Recommend, To what extent
Glossary of command terms
Analyse- Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Compare- Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare and contrast- Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Contrast- Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Define- Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Describe- Give a detailed account.
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.
Distinguish- Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
Evaluate- Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Examine- Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Explain- Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Identify- Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Justify- Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
List- Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.
Outline- Give a brief account or summary.
Recommend- Present an advisable course of action with appropriate supporting evidence/reason in relation to a given situation, problem or issue.
Suggest- Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.
To what extent- Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.