Command words

• Geography Command Word Definitions

  • Identify/State/Name/Give
  • Assess
  • Compare
  • Describe
  • Discuss
  • Evaluate
  • Explain
  • Justify
  • Outline
  • Suggest
  • To what extent
• Identify/State/Name/Give


  Name or otherwise
• Assess


  Consider several options or arguments, weigh them up, make an informed judgement with the support of evidence
• Compare


  Identify similarities and differences
• Describe


  Set out characteristics (Think T.E.A- trend, examples, anomaly)
• Discuss


  Set out both sides of an argument or different points of view (e.g. for and against), and come to a conclusion related to the content and emphasis of the discussion. There should be some evidence of balance, though not necessarily of equal weighting.
• Evaluate


  Consider several options or points of view, ideas or arguments, judge from available evidence and reach a conclusion based on evidence about their importance/ validity/ merit.
• Explain


  Set out purposes or reasons. Say why or how something happens by giving purposes or reasons.
• Justify


  Present a reasoned case with the support of evidence (a case study/example)
• Outline


  Set out main characteristics
• Suggest


  Present a possible case
• To what extent


  Examine evidence, judge the importance or success of (e.g. a strategy, scheme or project) and express an opinion as to the merit or validity of a view or statement after examining the evidence available and/or different sides of an argument.