Command
Verbs
Command Verbs
Tips for understanding how to
answer the questions
Assessment questions are a common way to test your knowledge and
understanding of a subject. To answer these questions effectively, it’s essential
to identify the type of response that is expected. Command verbs play a crucial
role in this process, as they indicate the specific action you should take when
answering the question. In this section, we will help you identify command verbs
in assessment questions and provide tips on how to respond to them.
What Are Command Verbs?
Command verbs are words that instruct you on what to do in response to a
question or prompt. They are usually action words that specify the task you need
to perform. Recognizing these verbs is essential for understanding the nature of
the response expected in your answer.
Common Command Verbs
Here is a list of common command verbs that you may encounter in
assessment questions:
Command Verbs
Explain
Make the subject matter clear by expanding upon details or relevant facts, perhaps giving reasons.
Summarise
Sum up or give a brief account of relevant information in own words.
State
Give the main points in brief, clear sentences.
Define
Give the meaning of a word or phrase
Level 2
Identify
Point something out or give a list of main features.
Outline
Give brief details that cover the main points in summary.
Level 1
Describe
Identify
Give a detailed account that sets out the
main points of an argument, account or opinion.
List or name the main points.
Outline
Set out main the characteristics or features.
Describe
Give an account, including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events.
1
2
Command Verbs
Command Verbs
Explain
Set out purposes or reasons or make something clear in relation to a particular
situation. An explanation requires understanding to be demonstrated
Summarise
Give the main ideas or facts in a concise way
State
Express clearly and briefly.
Define
Give a definition or specify meaning of an idea or concept.
Evaluate
Command
Verbs
Make a qualitative judgement taking into account different factors and using
available knowledge/experience/evidence.
For support and advice, contact The Skills Network’s
Learner Support Team on:
Compare
Examine subject matter to note the similarities and differences.
Analyse
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Break the topic down into separate parts and examine each part. Show how the
main ideas are related and why they are important.
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Discuss
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Give an account that addresses a range of ideas and arguments.
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