Question keywords are also called ‘command’ words. These are the words in your exam questions that tell you what the examiner wants you to do. By understanding these command words, you are on your way to understanding your exam questions.
For example, you may be instructed in your exam question to ‘describe’ something within your answer. If your answer ‘evaluates’ rather than ‘sets out the characteristics’, you potentially haven’t given the right answer.
Below you will find a list containing some of these command words. Some subjects may have more or different command words that aren’t shown here. Ask your teachers for subject specific information.
| Analyse | separate information into components and identify their characteristics |
| 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 |
| Comment | present an informed opinion |
| Compare | identify similarities |
| Complete | finish a task by adding to given information |
| Consider | review and respond to given information |
| Contrast | identify differences |
| Criticise | assess worth against explicit expectations |
| Debate | present different perspectives on an issue |
| Deduce | draw conclusions from information provided |
| Define | specify meaning |
| Describe | set out characteristics |
| Develop | take forward or build upon given information |
| Discuss | present key points |
| Estimate | assign an approximate value |
| Evaluate | judge from available evidence |
| Examine | investigate closely |
| Explain | set out purposes or reasons |
| Explore | investigate without preconceptions about the outcome |
| Give | produce an answer from recall |
| Identify | name or otherwise characterise |
| Illustrate | present clarifying examples |
| Interpret | translate information into recognisable form |
| Justify | support a case with evidence |
| Outline | set out main characteristics |
| Prove | demonstrate validity on the basis of evidence |
| Relate | demonstrate connections between items |
| Review | survey information |
| State | express in clear terms |
| Suggest | present a possible case |
| Summarise | present principal points without detail |
