Command words in exams

Analyse Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting
arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another.

Assess Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by
citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter-arguments
as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original
proposition.

Clarify Literally make something clearer and, where appropriate, simplify it. This could involve, for
example, explaining in simpler terms a complex process or theory, or the relationship
between two variables.

Comment Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, reinforcing your point of view
upon using logic and reference to relevant evidence, including any wider reading you have
done.

Compare Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of the
shared similarities or differences are more important than others. ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’
will often feature together in an essay question.

Consider Say what you think and have observed about something. Back up your comments using
appropriate evidence from external sources, or your own experience. Include any views
which are contrary to your own and how they relate to what you originally thought.

Contrast Similar to compare but concentrate on the dissimilarities between two or more
phenomena, or what sets them apart. Point out any differences which are particularly
significant.

Critically Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of research are
evaluate true, or to what extent you agree with them. Provide evidence taken from a wide range of
sources which both agree with and contradict an argument. Come to a final conclusion,
basing your decision on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how
you have made your choice.

Define To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any problems posed
with the definition and different interpretations that may exist.

Demonstrate Show how, with examples to illustrate.

Describe Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens.

Discuss Essentially this is a written debate where you are using your skill at reasoning, backed up
by carefully selected evidence to make a case for and against an argument, or point out
the advantages and disadvantages of a given context. Remember to arrive at a
conclusion.

Elaborate To give in more detail, provide more information on.

Evaluate See the explanation for ‘critically evaluate’.

Examine Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic.
This should be a critical evaluation and you should try and offer reasons as to why the
facts and issues you have identified are the most important, as well as explain the
different ways they could be construed.
Explain Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or what is meant
by the use of this term in a particular context. Your writing should have clarity so that
complex procedures or sequences of events can be understood, defining key terms where
appropriate, and be substantiated with relevant research.

Explore Adopt a questioning approach and consider a variety of different viewpoints. Where
possible reconcile opposing views by presenting a final line of argument.

Give an Means give a detailed description of something. Not to be confused with ‘account for’
account of which asks you not only what, but why something happened.

Identify Determine what are the key points to be addressed and implications thereof.

Illustrate A similar instruction to ‘explain’ whereby you are asked to show the workings of
something, making use of definite examples and statistics if appropriate to add weight to
your explanation.

Interpret Demonstrate your understanding of an issue or topic. This can be the use of particular
terminology by an author, or what the findings from a piece of research suggest to you. In
the latter instance, comment on any significant patterns and causal relationships.

Justify Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas and points of view. In
order to present a balanced argument, consider opinions which may run contrary to your
own before stating your conclusion.

Outline Convey the main points placing emphasis on global structures and interrelationships
rather than minute detail.

Review Look thoroughly into a subject. This should be a critical assessment and not merely
descriptive.

Show how Present, in a logical order, and with reference to relevant evidence the stages and
combination of factors that give rise to something.

State To specify in clear terms the key aspects pertaining to a topic without being overly
descriptive. Refer to evidence and examples where appropriate.

Summarise Give a condensed version drawing out the main facts and omit superfluous information.
Brief or general examples will normally suffice for this kind of answer.

To what Evokes a similar response to questions containing 'How far...'. This type of question calls
extent for a thorough assessment of the evidence in presenting your argument. Explore
alternative explanations where they exist.