Literacy 

Command Term

Definition

Define

To provide meaning or identify essential qualities of a word, phrase, concept within a question given.

Identify

To recognise key features in a word, phrase or concept within a question. This could be an event, ingredient, element, object or person which could come from something like a list, extended narrative, argument, diagrams or artwork.

Analyse

To be able to identify components/elements of a concept or object and the significance of the relationship between them. A high quality response will also address how and why these relationships exist with the ability to relate implications and reasonableness of information.

Compare

To analyse 2 or more objects or concepts so as to be able to recognise the similarities and differences between them. High quality responses also include the significance of these factors when considering their qualities.

Describe

To accurately define the characteristics, features and qualities of a given topic. These topics could include: concepts, opinions, situations, events, processes, arguments, experiments, artworks, or even artefacts.

Evaluate

This command term has multiple meanings. Usually it can be asking you to make a judgment using the information given.

In Maths and Science it can typically mean to accurately gauge the value or amount of an object or concept.

In other subjects such as English and History, it can be asking you to make a judgement using information and/or your own knowledge to consider a logical argument and/or supporting evidence for and against arguments, concepts, processes, opinions or ideas.

Justify

To show, prove or defend a reasoning with evidence, an argument or point of view using information and data.

Distinguish

To be able to find distinctions (notable differences) between two or more arguments, concepts, opinions, numbers and other forms of information.

Calculate

To determine from given facts, figures or information a numerical answer. It’s expected that relevant stages in the working will need to be shown. 

Questions of this nature expect you to determine or find (e.g. a number, answer) by using mathematical processes taught.

Investigate

To observe, study or carry out an examination in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions from the information presented.

Infer

To reach a conclusion based on the available information or evidence given. This can also be done through reasoning an idea or position.

Synthesise

To combine various elements, facts or concepts to make a whole or an overall point in your own words.

Juxtaposition

To identify, explain and analyse the contrasting differences between 2 concepts, objects or ideas. In an art context this could involve looking at differing styles and how they are not only different but also the intention behind their differences/choices.

Discuss

To present a clear and balanced argument that identifies concepts to be focused in depth. Questions that focus on this command word should demonstrate considered ideas.

Balanced ideas could include: the strengths and weaknesses of a concept, points for and against and idea, one or more arguments about a topic, factors, hypotheses, narratives and/or opinions.

Extrapolate

Infer and/or extend information that may not be clearly stated from original information. This information could be in the form of an opinion, graph or image. Extrapolating would assume existing trends will continue.

Extract

Select only the relevant factor or detail from an argument, issue or artefact.

Symbolism

To analyse and examine literal aspects of an idea and draw deeper meaning from this as intended by the writer, director, playwright or artist.  

In an art setting, students examine aspects of an image and to delve deeper into their intended meaning. This could be understanding the choice in size and colour that has more meaning than just the coincidental. Images themselves can have added meaning as they can represent a bigger concept that people commonly associate with said image.

Predict

To provide what you believe is the expected result of an upcoming action or event with suggestions as to what may happen based on available information given.

Use

To employ a concept or idea in a particular situation or context. This can be done through applying a new skill learnt to a given scenario or new information to apply to a given problem.

Clarify

To make a statement or situation easier to understand. This can be done through breaking down a complex idea into simpler terms or to apply nuance to specific aspects of a complex concept.

Deduce

To draw a conclusion from given information. This type of information could be a narrative, an argument, an opinion or a plan.

Recount

To retell a series of processes in a specific order. These processes could be in the form of events, or steps in a procedure/activity and normally in chronological order.

State

To provide a specific name or value or other brief answer. This type of response does not require an explanation or calculation.

Suggest

To put forward a solution, hypothesis, idea or other possible answer to a question given

Assess

To make a judgment about a key concept or idea. This could be in the form of measurement, an estimation (such as size and value), determining the quality or value of an object or concept. It could also be in relation to significance to outcomes or extent of a concept.

Account of

To describe a series of events or transactions.

Account for

To state reasons for why a concept or idea is established in a set way or what factors need to be in consideration for an outcome.