Command Words - GCSE Computers
The command words below will be used consistently in all assessment material and resources.
Command Words & Definitions
| Command word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Add | Join something to something else so as to increase the size, number, or amount. |
| Analyse | Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. Identify parts and relationships, and interpret information to reach conclusions. |
| Annotate | Add brief notes to a diagram or graph. |
| Calculate | Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working. |
| Compare | Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout. |
| Complete | Provide all the necessary or appropriate parts. |
| Convert | Change the form, character, or function of something. |
| Define | Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity. |
| Describe | Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process. |
| Design | Produce a plan, simulation or model. |
| Discuss | Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence. |
| Draw | Produce (a picture or diagram) by making lines and marks on paper with a pencil, pen, etc. |
| Evaluate | Assess the implications or limitations. Make judgements about the ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria. |
| Explain | Give a detailed account including reasons or causes. |
| Give | Present information which determines the importance of an event or issue, or to show causation. |
| How | In what way or manner; by what means. |
| Identify | Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognise and state briefly a distinguishing factor or feature. |
| Justify | Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion. |
| Label | Add title, labels or brief explanation(s) to a diagram or graph. |
| List | Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation. |
| Order | Put the responses into a logical sequence. |
| Outline | Give a brief account or summary. |
| Refine | Make more efficient, improve, modify or edit. |
| Show | Give steps in a derivation or calculation. |
| Solve | Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods. |
| State | Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation. |
| Tick | Mark (an item) with a tick or select (a box) on a form, questionnaire, etc. to indicate that something has been chosen. |
| What | Asking for information specifying something. |
| Write/Rewrite | Mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement/write (something) again so as to alter or improve it. |