Command Word Taxonomy - A-Levels Computers

Command Word Taxonomy

The following command words in this taxonomy will be used consistently by Pearson in its assessments to ensure learners are rewarded for demonstrating the necessary skills. Careful consideration has been given to this taxonomy to ensure that Assessment Objectives are targeted consistently across questions.

Please note: the list below will not necessarily be used in every unit/session and is provided for guidance only.

Unit 1 and 3

Command word	Definition/meaning
Complete	Requires the completion of an artefact.
Calculate	Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. If the answer has a unit, this must be included.
Construct	Requires creation of an expression using subject specific symbolic representation, rules and syntax.
Convert	Requires changing information from one symbolic representation to another representation.
Define	Requires giving the meaning of a term from the specification.
Outline	To give an account of something. Statements in the response need to be linked but do not need to include a justification or reason.
Describe	To give an account of a process. Statements in the response need to be in order and linked, but do not need to include a justification or reason.
Explain	An explanation requires a justification of a point. The answer must contain some element of reasoning/justification, this can include mathematical/logical explanations.
Give/State	All these command words are really synonyms. They all require recall of one or more pieces of information.
Identify	Usually requires some key information to be selected from a given stimulus/resource/set of options.
Simplify	Requires application of logic to reduce an expression.
Which	Requires selection of a response (or responses) from a given set of options.

Unit 2 and 4

Command word	Definition/meaning
Amend	Requires changes or additions to code, or deletions or rearrangement of code.
Write	Requires creation/manipulation of code using a high-level programming language.