Command verbs

I do a lot of marking - from GCSEs through to Masters Degrees - and one thing that is very important is the command verb (eg ‘explain’, ‘describe’, ‘calculate’, ‘evaluate’) in questions which guide the depth of answers required. The command verbs are explained here: ?https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zwkcdmn/revision/1

My quick definition of some of them is below:

Describe – If you are asked to describe something, you should point out the features in such a way that another person could recognise what you are describing if they saw it. An example might be: Describe a donkey. It would be insufficient to state ‘has four legs and a back’ as this could be a chair. A description stating ‘a four legged animal, long tail, long ears, similar to a horse but generally smaller, makes a unique sound like “eeyore” often repeatedly’ would probably allow another person to recognise your description as a donkey.

Explain - To give an account of the purposes or reasons

An example: A chair is used for sitting on. It normally comprises a seat, a backrest and is supported by legs. The legs are positioned in such a way so as to balance the chair, so that when it is sat on it does not collapse or become unstable. Chairs can be made in many different styles and use a variety of materials. The design and material choice are reflected in the cost of the chair. Chairs are often used alongside a table, to support body weight at a convenient height whilst doing something at the table. Chairs can be produced in different sizes to make them suitable for individuals eg a child.

List – If you are asked to list information you will need to write it in numbered or bulleted points, possibly to indicate an order or a multi-step process.

Outline – This type of question needs a brief answer which does not include much detail, but covers all the main steps, stages or parts involved. A question asking you to outline how to catch a train would require an answer along the lines of ‘check train times, choose train, go to station, buy ticket and board train’. It would not expect you to include the detail of how you would do these things.