Identify..., What... ? Name.. State..., Give...

These ask for brief answers to a simple task, such as: What does it look like? What is it made of? identifying a landform from a photograph giving a named example of a feature Do not answer using a single word. It is always better to write a short sentence.

Define..., Explain the meaning of..., What is meant by? Outline...

These words require a relatively short answer, usually two or three sentences, giving the precise meaning of a term. Use of an example is often helpful. The number of marks indicates the length of answer required.

Describe the characteristics of...

In the case of a landform, for example, the following subquestions can be useful in writing the answer: What does it look like? What is it made of? How big is it? . Where is it in relation to other features?

Describe the changes in...

This command often relates to a graph or a table. Good use of accurate adverbs is required here words such as rapidly, steeply, gently, slightly, greatly.

Describe the differences between...

Here only differences between two sets of data will be credited. Rather than writing a paragraph on one data set, followed by a paragraph on the other it is better if each paragraph identifies one difference between the 2 data sets.

Describe the relationship between...

Here only the links between two sets of data will be credited. It is important, therefore, that you establish the relationship and state the link clearly.

Describe the distribution of...

This is usually used in conjunction with a map or set of maps. You should describe where there are high concentrations and lower concentrations are. Better answers will also tend to identify anomalous areas or areas which go against an overall trend in the distribution

Compare...

This requires a point by point account of the similarities and differences between two sets of information or two areas. Two separate accounts do not make up a comparison. A good technique is to use comparative adjectives, for example larger than.

Explain..., Suggest reasons for.. How might... ? Why... ?

The command word tests your ability to know or understand why or how something happens. Such questions tend to carry a large number of marks, and expect candidates to write a relatively long piece of extended prose. It is important that this presents a logical account which is both relevant and well organised.

Using only an annotated diagram..., With the aid of a diagram...

Here the candidate must draw a diagram, and in the first case provide only a diagram. Annotations are labels which provide additional description or explanation of the main features of the diagram.

Analyse...

This requires a candidate to break down the content of a topic into its constituent parts, and to give an in-depth account. As stated above, such questions tend to carry a large number of marks, and candidates will be expected to write a relatively long piece of prose. It is important that candidates present a logical account that is both relevant and well-organised.

Discuss.,,

Candidates should present arguments for and against, making good use of evidence and appropriate examples, and express an opinion about the merits of each side. In other words, they should construct a verbal debate.

Evaluate..., Assess...

This requires an indication of the candidate's viewpoint, having considered all the evidence. The candidate's own judgement is requested, together with a justification for that judgement. The use of 'critically' often occurs in such questions in this case the candidate should question not only the evidence itself but also where it came from, and how it was collected At its most simplistic, a response to this command must include a strong piece of writing in favour of the chosen option(s) in a decision-making exercise, and an explanation of why the other options were rejected. However, decision making is not straightforward. The key to good decision making is to balance the pros and cons of each option and to opt for the most appropriate based on the evidence available.

Justify...