Key Command Words in Academic and Exam Contexts

analyze

examine in detail to show meaning, identify elements and the relationship between them

assess

make an informed judgement

calculate

work out from given facts, figures, or information

Comment

give an informed opinion

compare

identify/comment on similarities and/or differences

consider

review and respond to given information

contrast

identify/comment on differences

define

give precise meaning

demonstrate

show how or give an example

describe

state points of a topic/give characteristics and main features

develop

take forward to a more advanced stage/build upon given information

discuss

write about issue (s) or topic (s) in depth in a structured way

evaluate

judge/calculate quality, importance, amount or value of something

examine

investigate closely, in detail

explain

set out purposes or reasons/make relationships between things evident/provide why and/or how and support w/ relevant evidence

give

produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory

identify

name/select/recognise

justify

support a case w/ evidence/arguement

outline

Set out main points

predict

suggest what may happen based on available information

Sketch

make a simple freehand drawing showing key features, taking care over proportions

State

express in clear terms

Suggest

apply Knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make proposals

Summarise

Select and present the main points, without detail