Command Words

Command words appear in an assessment task and can also be called instructional, operational or task words.
They indicate what approach should be applied to the information found.

Examples of command words are as follows:

Command Word

Meaning

account for

explain (reason)

analyse

examine closely; examine in parts; show how the parts contribute to the whole

assess

decide the value of; judge; measure the importance of

compare

discuss two or more things in terms of their similarities and differences

critically evaluate

weigh arguments for and against something; assess all evidence; decide which opinions, theories, models or items are preferable.

describe

give a detailed account of the features of something without interpreting the information

discuss

present and give a judgement on the value of arguments for and against; consider all angles

evaluate

judge; criticise in terms of impact/significance, and investigate the implications

examine

make clear the details/meaning of; look in particular at reasons, causes and effects; account for; give reasons; justify

explore

describe in detail and note impact

indicate

focus on specific areas (similar to illustrate)

interpret

make clear the meaning of; consider implications

outline

describe main features; give a broad but thorough account; identify briefly the main features of

relate

show similarities and connections between two or more things

review

describe chief features and criticise generally (important parts)

For more examples of command words, search the Library Catalogue for books about "assignment writing".


Sources:

Marshall, L & Rowland, F 1993,  A guide to learning independently, Longman Cheshire, Melbourne.

Open Learning Network 1992, Writing and reading in tertiary education, Study Guide, Author, Brisbane, Qld.

Cotterell, S 1999, The study skills handbook, MacMillan, London.