Ever felt stuck on an exam question because you are unsure how to start? You are not alone. Many students face this challenge, but the solution is simple: understanding command words. These words tell you what to include in your answer.
By understanding different command words, you can confidently tackle any exam question and showcase your knowledge effectively. Ready to enhance your exam skills?
What Are Command Words?
Command words are also known as task words. They tell you how to answer a question. By understanding these words, you will know what type of answers to give and how to structure them. They are found in all subjects and modules, as they are used to test your knowledge on a topic.
Examples Of Command Words
Have you ever wondered why some students ace their exams while others struggle? The secret often lies in understanding command words. These words tell you exactly what to do, turning confusion into clarity. Ready to decode these words and boost your exam performance?
What Are 15 Examples Of Commands?
Whether you are in high school or university, you have likely seen command words or instructions in questions. Understanding these words will help you next time. Here are some common ones:
- Describe
- Explain
- Compare
- Contrast
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Discuss
- Summarize
- Justify
- Outline
- Assess
- Define
- Examine
- Identify
- Predict
Analyse
Let’s say an image of an advertisement is added in the exam. Analysing means you need to take a close look at all the information. You have to break it up into smaller parts and examine the data. It usually makes up the first part of the question. Once you’ve done this, you will need to answer questions based on the information you gathered.
Assess
Comprehension tests are quite common in exams, right? You’ll be given a ton of information, usually in the form of a story. After going through it all, you need to come up with your own judgement in order to answer the questions. Assessing is all about weighing your options to give the best possible answers.
Compare
So your teacher adds a picture of a red tulip and white rose in your question paper and tells you to compare them. Not sure what to look out for? Let’s help. You need to look for the similarities and differences between the two. So even though they are both flowers, they are different colours.
Contrast
This is quite similar to compare. However, when you contrast information, you only look at all the ways in which they are different from each other. Take a look at the example above. Instead of looking at only their colours, by contrasting, you might also state how different they are in shape.
Define
Define refers to giving the definition or meaning of a word, term, concept or event. In exams, you will need to know the meaning of relevant words by heart. This means you have to study hard to memorise these definitions. A great way to memorise is by using flash cards.
Describe
Got a keen eye? Then you’ll be able to describe like a pro. It means pointing out important details and characteristics of an object, process or event. Imagine having to describe an orange. You can list that it is an orange, round, citrus fruit full of vitamin C.
Discuss
Wondering how to discuss your answers in an exam? Well when they say discuss, it doesn’t mean out loud. You need to write down and explain the points of a story or information in detail. This is done in your own words, while using examples from the story or data you have.
Evaluate
This is similar to assessing. You need to look at the information and form your own opinions on it. Look at the importance of the data and what is most valuable to your answer. You could be looking at the value or impact of the information you have.
Examine
Examining means you need to inspect the information you have closely. It is similar to analysing. So you will also need to break up the data to fully understand all things included. It is usually followed by a question on what you have studied.
Explain
When you explain in an exam, this is all about stating facts, information, reasons or your own views. After making a point, you can also explain to justify your answers and how you came to that conclusion. It shows you have an understanding of the information.
Identify
Identifying means having to pick and name information relevant to the answer. For example, if you are asked to identify the eight planets in our solar system, you could list them all by name. Unless they want you to describe them, you don’t need to go into detail.
Outline
To outline means to focus and mention the important facts. You can do this after identifying the most important information. Instead of going into too much detail, narrow down the key points that will help you define and explain a concept.
Predict
Imagine reading a story about a chef adding chilli peppers to his food? What do you think will happen? Of course, his food will be spicy and packed with a lot of heat. When you predict, you give an assumption of what could happen using the information you have.
Summarise
Heard the phrase “to make a long story short”? That’s what it means to summarise. You will need to give a broad overview of what you read in a few short lines or sentences. With this instruction, you will only focus on main points.
How Can Command Words Vary In Difficulty?
Command words can range from simple to complex, affecting how you approach the question. Here is how they can vary in difficulty:
Simple Command Words
Words like “list,” “define,” and “identify” require basic recall and recognition. They usually ask for straightforward answers without much explanation. These words are easier because they demand less critical thinking and analysis.
Intermediate Command Words
Words like “describe,” “explain,” and “summarize” require more detailed responses. They ask you to provide explanations or detailed accounts, which involve a deeper understanding of the topic.
Complex Command Words
Words like “analyse,” “evaluate,” and “discuss” require critical thinking and a thorough understanding of the subject. These words ask for in-depth analysis, weighing pros and cons, or considering different perspectives, making them more challenging.
Understanding the difficulty level of command words helps you manage your time and effort during exams. By recognizing what each word asks of you, you can tailor your responses appropriately and improve your exam performance.
Understanding Command Words
Understanding command words is crucial for interpreting exam questions correctly. These words tell you exactly what the examiner wants you to do. Knowing them can help you respond more effectively and achieve better results.
What Are Command Words For Instructions?
Command words for instructions are specific terms used in exam questions to guide your response. These words indicate the type of answer required, such as describing, comparing, or evaluating. By recognizing these words, you can better understand the task at hand and provide a relevant and complete answer.
Why Are Command Words Important In Exams?
Command words are important in exams because they clarify what is expected in your answer. They help you focus on the key aspects of the question, ensuring that your response is accurate and comprehensive. By understanding command words, you can avoid misinterpretation and maximize your marks.
Knowing command words can make a significant difference in your exam performance. They guide you in structuring your answers and ensuring you address all parts of the question. With practice, you can become adept at recognizing and responding to these words, boosting your confidence and effectiveness in exams.
How Are Command Words Used In Different Subjects?
Command words are versatile and can be found in various subjects, guiding you on how to approach different types of questions.
For example:
- Life Sciences: You might be asked to “describe” the process of photosynthesis or “explain” how ecosystems interact.
- Geography: You may need to “compare” different climatic regions or “analyse” the impact of human activities on the environment.
- History: Questions might ask you to “evaluate” the effects of a historical event or “discuss” the causes of a revolution.
- Mathematics: You could be asked to “identify” the steps in solving an equation or “justify” the use of a particular method.
Understanding that these command words can be used across subjects helps you prepare better by knowing how to structure your answers regardless of the topic. By recognizing and interpreting these words correctly, you can tailor your responses to meet the specific demands of any question in any subject.
Answering Command Word Questions
Answering command word questions effectively is a critical skill in exams. Understanding these words helps you provide the appropriate type of response and maximize your marks. Let’s explore how to tackle these questions.
How To Answer Command Word Questions?
To answer command word questions, first, identify the command word and understand its meaning. Next, plan your response to ensure it addresses the command. Provide clear, detailed, and relevant information as required by the command word. For example, if the question asks you to “evaluate,” make sure to weigh both positives and negatives before concluding.
How To Identify Command Words In Exam Questions?
Identifying command words in exam questions involves looking for key terms that indicate the required response. Common command words include “describe,” “explain,” “compare,” and “analyse.” Highlight or underline these words in the question to focus on what the examiner is asking you to do. This helps you structure your answer appropriately and ensures you cover all necessary points.
Strategies For Addressing Command Word Questions Effectively
Addressing command word questions effectively requires specific strategies. These strategies help ensure that your answers are well-organized, focused, and comprehensive.
- Read Carefully
- Highlight Command Words
- Plan Your Answer
- Be Specific
- Review
Read Carefully
Make sure you clearly understand the question and what is being asked. Take your time to read the question thoroughly, noting any key details. Misreading a question can lead to irrelevant answers, so ensure you grasp what is being asked before you begin writing.
Highlight Command Words
Identify and emphasize the command words. Underline or highlight these words to keep them in focus. Recognizing these key terms will guide you in structuring your response and ensuring you meet the question’s demands.
Plan Your Answer
Outline your response before writing to ensure it is well-organized. Create a brief plan or outline, listing the main points you want to cover. This helps you stay on track and ensures your answer flows logically from one point to the next.
Be Specific
Provide detailed and relevant information that directly addresses the command word. Avoid vague or general statements. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points, making your answer clear and comprehensive.
Review
Check your answer to ensure it meets the requirements and correct any mistakes. After writing, take a few moments to review your response. Look for any errors or omissions and ensure that you have fully addressed the question. Making corrections can significantly improve the quality of your answer.
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People Also Ask
To study with understanding, break down the material into manageable sections and focus on grasping key concepts. Use active learning techniques like summarizing, teaching others, and applying what you’ve learned to different scenarios.
Teach command words by providing clear definitions and examples for each word. Use practice questions to illustrate how each command word shapes the required response, and encourage students to highlight these words in exam questions.
Instruction words are specific terms like “describe,” “compare,” and “analyse” that guide students on how to answer a question. They indicate the type of response required, ensuring that students understand what is expected of them.
Exam command words are directives that tell you how to approach a question, such as “explain,” “evaluate,” and “summarize.” They help structure your response, ensuring that you provide the type of answer that the examiner is looking for.
