Exam command words are the key to answering exam questions successfully. Whilst the content / topic part of the question will tell you what you need to write about, the command word will tell you how you need to answer the question. Command words are the words and phrases used in exams and other assessment tasks that tell you how they should answer the question. Many of them are the same across all subjects and require a similar response, even if the subject is different.
Below are the most common exam command words.
Command Word
What they mean
Add/Label
Show information or name something on a graph, diagram or table.
Give/Name/State what is meant by
Recall one or more pieces of information.
Draw
Produce a diagram with or without a ruler. Simple line diagrams for scientific equipment and circuit symbols for a circuit diagram.
Write
When the questions ask for an equation e.g. a balanced symbol equation.
Sketch
Produce a drawing without a ruler e.g. sketch a rough graph with axes and a line.
Complete
Add values to a table or diagram.
Estimate
Find a rough number or amount from the information given in the question.
Identify
Choose key details from information given in the question.
Calculate
Work out your answer using the numbers in the question. Include units in your answer.
Show that
Prove the statement in the question is right.
Determine
Use information in the question and give a numerical answer or show how the answer can be reached quantitatively.
Deduce
Come to a decision based on information in the question.
Give a reason
Say why something happens; only write the number of reasons the question asks for.
Describe
Give an account of something, or link facts, information, events or processes in a logical order.
Explain
Say how or why something happens; ‘because’ will be an important part of your answer.
State and explain
Make a point and link ideas to justify that point.
Comment on
Look at data or information and decide what it shows.
Compare and contrast
Give similarities and differences between several things, not just one.
Predict
Say what you think will happen based on what you know.
Discuss
Pick out the situation or argument in the question, explore all aspects of it, investigate it and come to a conclusion.
Justify
Give evidence to support an answer.
Access
Read the information in the question carefully and pick out the most important parts to help you answer the question or come to a conclusion.
Evaluate
Look at the information in the question and bring it together to make a decision and come to a conclusion with evidence from the question. To evaluate you should give: reasoned arguments in support of this statement; reasoned arguments to support a different point of view; refer to evidence; reach a justified conclusion.
Devise
Plan a method or experiment using your knowledge.
Suggest.
Always used with another command word, e.g. Suggest an explanation. Suggest tells you that you need to apply your knowledge to a new situation, and in this case to give a possible explanation.
For more on revision and memory techniques, check out these blogs:
Examination Command words
Exam command words are the key to answering exam questions successfully. Whilst the content / topic part of the question will tell you what you need to write about, the command word will tell you how you need to answer the question. Command words are the words and phrases used in exams and other assessment tasks that tell you how they should answer the question. Many of them are the same across all subjects and require a similar response, even if the subject is different.
Below are the most common exam command words.
what is meant by
For more on revision and memory techniques, check out these blogs:
https://www.dyslexiauk.co.uk/revision-skills-and-techniques-for-learners-with-dyslexia/
To discuss your difficulties with a dyslexia assessor, contact us: https://www.dyslexiauk.co.uk/#request-form
Categories
Recent Post
The Top 12 Online Games to Aid the Understanding of Fractions
August 24, 202610 Useful Dyscalculia Websites for Children and Adults
August 17, 2026Dyslexia: A Strategic Advantage for Future-Ready Businesses
August 10, 2026Assistive Technology – A Summary and Links to the Best Tools
August 3, 2026A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the Overlap of Dyslexia and ADHD
July 27, 2026