Explain

Suggest
reasons for

Describe

Write about what something is,

why or how it something happens.
This is similar to the command
word explain but the focus is on
causes of something. Answers
may not be so in-depth.
Write about what something is
like. You do not need to say why.

Comment on

Label

With graphs use detail such as

figures and trends.

Often linked with the command

word describe. Use your own
knowledge
to
write
about
something. To achieve the highest
marks, try to identify things that
stand out or are different/unusal.
Write a word against something on
a chart or diagram

Explain what is meant by X

Explain why X might be beneficial to Y

Using the information, suggest reasons for the

trend.

Suggest reasons why local businesses might be

against X.

Describe the features of X.

Describe the information presented in Y

Describe what the graph shows.

Describe what something you have studied is like

giving a detailed answer.

Describe and comment on the trend shown in figure

(x).

Describe and comment on the graph provided.

Label an example of X on the graph.

Label Y on the chart.

Annotate the diagram to describe the site of a

factory.

Annotate

Add

notes

to

something

to

describe it or explain it (detailed

labels).

Annotate a map of the business to explain why it was

built in that place.

Annotate a graph to suggest reasons for changes in

X.

Compare
Contrast
Define

Write about the differences and

similarities between two things.
Write about the differences
between two things.
Give a brief explanation of what
something means.
Provide arguments in support and
against a statement and give your

Discuss

opinion. Often used with the

extent

to

conclusion

which
must

where
involve

your
a

Compare the photographs taken in 1950 and 1997.

Compare the arguments of A and B.

Contrast X with Y.

Define the term X.

Define Y.

The development of a country is mainly linked to its

wealth. Discuss.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of X.

Identify the highest/lowest figures from a graph or

measurement.

Identify,
state,
name

Briefly point out the required

features or reasons.
Write down possible reasons for

Suggest

something, using some information

given

to

knowledge.

you

or

your

own

table.

Identify

an

example

of

something

from

information

Suggest why X is popular with governments.

Suggest why Ghana is still classified as an LEDC.

the

List

List the responsibilities of X.

List reasons for something in order of importance.

Use your own knowledge or some

Predict how the polution of a place might change.

information you have been given to

Predict how business X might grow.

Evaluate the usefulness of alternative fuels in the

Write a number of pieces of

information in a column.

Predict

suggest what might happen next.

Evaluate/
Assess

Similar to discuss. Arguments for

and against with your opinion at

battle against climate change

the end. Marks are provided for

your logic rather than opinion.

Justify

Provide evidence for just one side

of an argument. Why is your

Justify the use of X in the case of Y.

With reference to a case study, discuss the causes

chosen idea better than others?

With
reference
to

Give specific detail about case

examples/

studies and base your answer upon

case

of X.

them.

studies
Use figure

Make sure you draw upon evidence

(x) to

in the figure provided, whether it

be a photograph, graph or map.

Use figure (x) to describe the causes of X