Know What the Examiner is Looking For

Command Words

To get the most marks possible you need to understand what the question is asking. Knowing these important words can make a big difference to how you answer the question and how many marks you can get. Take the time to get to know them and look out for them on the paper for maximum success

Analyse	Look very closely at the detail
Comment On	Give your opinions or point of view, with reasons
Compare	Say how things are the same and how things are different
Contrast	Say how things are different
Describe	Write about in detail
Discuss	Give the main reasons for and against, come to a conclusion
Estimate	Give a rough idea, with evidence
Explain	Give reasons for
Illustrate	Give examples that make the point clear - it can include diagrams, figures or drawings
Interpret	Explain the meaning in your own words
Justify	Give reasons to support an argument or action
Outline	Give the most important details
State	Briefly write the main point
Summarise	Bring together the main points