National 5 Command Words

IDENTIFY
DESCRIBE
EXPLAIN
EVALUATE

They are...

Command words are the words used at the start of a question. They tell you how it should be answered and indicate the level of detail required.

What are they?

IDENTIFY - name it!

Identify questions are simply asking you to name something in a few words or short sentence.

For example - Identify a method used to collect information on the physical factor.

Answer - Cooper Test.

NOTE - when identifying targets you must be a little bit more detailed, explaining why it is a target and when you want to achieve your target by.

DESCRIBE - Who, What, When, Where, How?

Describe questions are asking you to paint a picture of what you did/want to do and give a really detailed account. You are being asked to present specific details in short, sharp sentences to tell the reader where, when, who else was there, what you did, how something looks and feels, how it is carried out in chronological order and how a task is progressed.

Task - Describe what you have had (or are going to have) for lunch today in your jotter.

Using the descriptive points in the previous slide, describe what is happening in this picture in your jotter.

​

Describe

Explain - Point, Evidence, Impact

Explain questions are asking you to tell the reader the 'why' of something, or why it is done that way. Explain yourself, make it clear and link the cause with the effect.
Point - Make a statement
Evidence - Why is the statement important? What is the impact on you? ('This means...)
Impact - What is the outcome? What is the effect/impact on your whole performance? ('This results in...)

Task - Explain why you chose your lunch today.

Give me the reasons you chose the food and drink that you have in your lunch and tell me the results of these reasons.

FOR EXAMPLE - I chose this lunch because it is a healthy option. This means that I will feel the longer-term health benefits of eating healthy food. This results in a longer life with less illnesses.

Evaluate - Judgement, Evidence, Impact

Evaluate questions are asking you to make a judgement as a result of experiencing something. The judgement will either be good or bad, mainly based on a comparison and you must give a reason. What is your point? What is the justification? What is the effect?

The box of Heroes is good/bad because....

The box of Heroes isn't as good as the box of Celebrations because...

​

Evaluate the box of Heroes.