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.