Command words and their dictionary meanings
Command Meaning
Word
Assess
Discuss
Explain
Consider
Identify
Justify
Outline
Describe
Compare
Examine
Contrast
Evaluate
Suggest
Define
Possible
mark band
range
Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something
Talk about (something) with another person or group of people or write about
(a topic) in detail, taking into account different ideas and opinions
Make an idea, situation or problem clear (to someone) by describing it in detail
revealing relevant data or facts
Think carefully about (something), typically before making a decision
Establish or indicate the origin, nature or definitive character of something
3
3
Show or prove to be right or reasonable
A general plan giving the essential features but not the detail. The main
features or general principles of something
Give an account in words of (someone or something) including all of the
relevant characteristics, qualities or events.
Estimate, measure or note the similarity or dissimilarity between one thing and
another…(compare something to) draw an analogy between one thing and
another for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
Inspect (someone or something) in detail to determine the nature or condition.
The state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something
in juxtaposition or close association.
Form an idea of the amount, number, or value of someone or something.
Put forward for consideration (a viewpoint)• cause one to think that
(something) exists or is the case • state or express indirectly something
State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of something
• establish the character of something; mark out the boundary or limits of
something
3
1
2
3
1
1
2
2
2
3
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1
Command words by level of complexity
MB1- Knowledge and
Understanding
Define
Describe
Explain
Give
List
Identify
Outline
State
What is meant by
Name
MB2 - Application
MB3 - Analysis
MB3 - Evaluation
Apply
Calculate
Demonstrate
Examine
Give an example
Using examples
With reference to the evidence
How
Show how
Why
Which
What would be the
benefits/costs of
Using
Draw on your knowledge
Using your knowledge of
Graph
What trends
Explain
Analyse
Calculate
Compare and
contrast
Discuss
Explain
Show how
Which
What factors
Examine
Identify
Organise
What
Advise
Evaluate
Assess
Consider
Discuss
Explain why
To what extent
Assess the extent
Weigh up
Suggest
Justify
Predict
Do you think
How far
Would you agree
Why
Suggest
Evaluate the suggestion
Critically assess
Assess the relative importance