Understanding Key Command Words
Ever wondered why some students seem to nail every exam question whilst others struggle? The secret lies in command words - those crucial terms that tell you exactly what to do in your answer.
Discuss means you need to present different sides of an argument, weighing up the pros and cons before reaching a balanced conclusion. Think of it like being a fair judge who considers all the evidence. Assess takes this further by asking you to make a judgement about quality or value, using facts to back up your opinion.
Analyse is about breaking things down into smaller parts and examining how they work together. It's like taking apart a phone to understand how each component contributes to the whole device.
Top Tip: Always look for the command word first - it's your roadmap to success! Circle it and keep referring back to it as you write.
The chair example shows how these work in practice. Rather than just describing what a chair looks like, you'd discuss its various purposes, assess which materials work best, and analyse how design features like leg positioning create stability.
