Exam Command Words: What Each Instruction Asks For
A plain-language guide to the instruction words used in exam questions, with how to structure an answer to each.
Command words are the verbs that tell you what to do in an exam question: describe, explain, evaluate and so on. Many lost marks come from answering a different question than the one asked. Writing an explanation when the question says "state" wastes time. Writing a description when it says "evaluate" misses the marks.
Important: command-word meanings can differ between subjects, exam boards and mark schemes. Treat this guide as a general orientation, and check the glossary your own exam board publishes.
Short-answer words
- State, identify, define: give a brief fact, name or meaning. No reasoning needed.
- Calculate, determine: produce a numerical answer, usually with working shown.
- Estimate: give an approximate value using reasonable assumptions.
Words that ask for an account
- Describe: say what something is like or what happens. Mention features, steps or patterns.
- Outline: give the main points briefly.
- Summarize: condense the key ideas.
Words that ask for reasons
- Explain: give reasons or causes. Good explanations often use because, so and therefore.
- Justify: support a decision or answer with evidence or reasoning.
- Elaborate: add detail or examples to a point.
Words that ask for comparison
- Compare: similarities and differences.
- Contrast: mainly differences.
- Distinguish: show what makes two things different.
Words that ask for judgment
- Analyze: break into parts and show how they connect.
- Evaluate and assess: weigh strengths and weaknesses, then reach a conclusion.
- Discuss: consider more than one point of view.
- Critique: give a reasoned judgment of strengths and weaknesses.
A simple method for any question
- Circle the command word.
- Underline the topic.
- Check the marks. More marks usually mean more points or more development.
- Write a one-line plan before you answer.
An example
Take the topic photosynthesis:
- State the gas released by photosynthesis. One word: oxygen.
- Describe the process of photosynthesis. Inputs, outputs, where it happens.
- Explain why photosynthesis slows in low light. Link light energy to the rate of the process.
- Evaluate an experiment on photosynthesis. Strengths, weaknesses, improvements.
Quick recap
Read the command word first. Match the depth of your answer to the verb and the marks. When unsure, check your exam board's published definitions.