Taxonomy - GCSE Computers
Taxonomy
The following table lists the command words used in the external assessments.
Command Words and Definitions
| Command word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Amend | Requires changes/additions/deletions/rearrangement of a symbolic representation. |
| Analyse | Examine elements in detail. |
| Assess | Give careful consideration to all the factors or events that apply and identify which are the most important or relevant. Make a judgement on the importance of something and come to a conclusion where needed. |
| Calculate | Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. If the answer has a unit, this must be included. |
| Compare and/or contrast | Looking for the similarities and/or differences of two (or more) things. Should not require the drawing of a conclusion. Answer must relate to both (or all) things mentioned in the question. |
| Complete | Requires the completion of a table/diagram/algorithm (in any notation). |
| Construct | Usually requires creation of an artefact using subject specific symbolic representation, rules and syntax. |
| Convert | Requires changing information in one symbolic representation to another representation. May require amending to provide new functionality/facility. |
| Create | Usually requires creation of an artefact using subject specific symbolic representations. |
| Deduce | Draw/reach conclusion(s) from the information provided. |
| Describe | Give an account of something. Statements in the response need to be developed as they are often linked, but do not need to include a justification or reason. |
| Devise | Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles/ideas. |
| Discuss | Identify the issue/situation/problem/argument that is being assessed in the question. Explore all aspects of an issue/situation/problem/argument. Investigate the issue/situation etc. by reasoning or argument. |
| Draw | Produce a diagram/image, either using a ruler or freehand. May require labelling/annotation to express meaning. Used when symbolic representations need to be manipulated. |
| Evaluate | Review information then bring it together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence including strengths, weaknesses, alternative actions, relevant data or information. Come to a supported judgement of a subject's qualities and relation to its context. |
| Explain | An explanation requires a justification/exemplification of a point. The answer must contain some element of reasoning/justification – this can include mathematical/logical explanations. The mark scheme must have marking points that are linked. The answer MUST contain some element of reasoning/justification to satisfy the definition of explain. The mark scheme should be clearly laid out so that to gain full marks, there must be a minimum of 1 mark for some element of reasoning/justification to satisfy the definition of explain. |
| Give | Recall one or more pieces of information. |
| Give a reason/reasons | When a statement has been made and the requirement is only to give the reasons why. |
| Identify | Usually requires some key information to be selected from a given stimulus/resource. |
| Name | Recall one piece of information from a given diagram/algorithm/process. |
| Perform | Carry out an identified task/algorithm/process. |
| Predict | Give an expected result. |
| State | Recall one or more pieces of technical information. |
| State and justify / Identify and justify | When a selection is made and a justification has to be given for the selection. |
| State what is meant by | When the meaning of a term is expected but there are different ways to describe them. Usually 1 or 2 marks maximum. |
| Write | Usually requires manipulation/creation/amending of an artefact using subject specific symbolic representations. |