Command Words

List of Command Words

Command words are the words and phrases used in exams that tell you how you should answer a question.

It is important you have an understanding of what the different command words mean so you can answer a question in the correct way!

Topic Explainer Video 1

Check out this @JoeDoesBiology video that explains command words or read the full notes below. Once you've gone through the whole note, try out the practice questions!

Topic Explainer Video 2

If you want another explainer of command words, check out this video from @JoeDoesBiology and once you've gone through the whole note, try out the practice questions!

Command Word	Description
Analyse	Separate information into components and identify their characteristics.
Annotate	Add notation or labelling to a graph, diagram or other drawing.
Apply	Put into effect in a recognised way.
Argue	Present a reasoned case.
Assess	Make an informed judgement.
Calculate	Work out the value of something and give your answer as a number.
Comment	Present an informed opinion.
Compare	This requires the student to describe the similarities and/or differences between things, not just write about one.
Complete	Finish a task by adding to given information usually in the space provided in a word fill or in a table or on a diagram.
Consider	Review and respond to given information.
Contrast	Identify differences.
Criticise	Access worth against explicit expectations.
Define	Specify the meaning of a key term.
Describe	Give an account of events or a process in an accurate way. Or give a description of the trends shown on a graph - this will usually require you to use data.
Design	Set out how something will be done - usually designing an investigation.
Determine	Use given data or information to obtain an answer.
Discuss	Present key points.
Draw	Produce or add to a diagram.
Estimate	Assign an approximate value.
Evaluate	Students should use the information supplied, as well as their knowledge and understanding, to consider evidence for and against when making a judgement.
Explain	Give reasons for something happening - using biological knowledge
Give	Produce an answer from recall or from given information. This will be a short answer.
Identify	Name or otherwise characterise.
Justify	Use evidence from the information supplied to support an answer.
Label	Provide appropriate names on a diagram.
List	List a number of features or points without further elaboration.
Name	Identify using a recognised technical term. Only a short answer is required, not an explanation or a description. Often it can be answered with a single word, phrase or sentence.
Outline	Set out main characteristics.
Plot	Mark on a graph using data given.
Predict	Give a plausible outcome.
Sketch	Draw approximately.
State	Express in clear terms.
Suggest	Present a possible case. This term is used in questions where students need to apply their knowledge and understanding to a new situation that they have likely not been taught in class.
Use	The answer must be based on the information given in the question. Unless the information given in the question is used, no marks can be given. In some cases students might be asked to use their own knowledge and understanding to add to the information.

Contents

List of Command Words

Topic Explainer Video 1

Topic Explainer Video 2

Biology