Command Terms

Define (Hint: 3 P’s)

Give the precise meaning of the word, phrase or physical quality.

List (Hint: sequence, no explanation)

Give sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation.

State (Hint: specific/brief)

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

Annotate (Hint: brief)

Add brief notes to the diagram or graph.

Apply (Hint: I.E.P.T/ T.I.P.E.)

Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation.

Describe (Hint: detailed)

Give a detailed account.

Distinguish (Hint: differences)

Give the differences between two or more different terms.

Outline (Hint: B.A.S.)

Give a brief account or summary.

Draw (Hint: pencil/ Label unless not)

Represent by means of pencil lines (always label unless told not to do so)

Label (Hint: A.L.D./ L.A.D.)

Add labels to a diagram.

Measure (Hint: F.A.Q.)

Find a value for a quantity.

Calculate (Hint: F.N.A.R.S.)

Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working (unless instructed not to do so)

Estimate (Hint: Approximate Value)

Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity.

Identify (Hint: F.A.G.N.P.)

Find an answer from a given number of possibilities.