Command words are the words and phrases used in National 5 exams and other assessment tasks that tell students how they should answer the question. You should be aware of the following command words and know how to respond to them when they appear in exam essay questions.

Describe
Present a picture of something in words, highlighting important characteristics or features.

Compare
Show how 2 or more things are BOTH similar and different.

Contrast
Show how 2 or more things are different.

Define
Explain the meaning of an idea or concept in a brief, specific manner.

Summarise
Present the main points about something.

Explain
Provide facts or reasons to make something clear and understandable.

Illustrate
Use examples to describe or explain something.

Discuss
Give reasons or present facts for and against an issue; using evidence for and against.

Outline
Present a brief account of the most important and relevant information in an organised manner.

List
Present information about something as a series of brief numbered points.

Justify
Provide facts and reasons to support a particular argument or point of view.

Examine
Consider carefully and provide a detailed account of the indicated topic.

Analyse
Break something down into its parts and show how the parts make the whole.

Evaluate
Make a judgement of the value, worth, or effectiveness of something.

Check out ACHIEVE for more help and support at National 5.

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