command_terms

= = =Diploma Programme Command Terms=

[[image:syllabus.png]]SYLLABUS REQUIREMENTS
Students should be familiar with the following key terms and phrases used in examination questions. Although these terms will normally be used, other terms may be used to ask students to present an answer in a specific way. Examination success to a large extent will be determined by students' understanding of these terms.

The assessment objectives (AOs) listed in the table are those referred to in the geography syllabus.
 * ** Command **
 * Term ** || ** AO ** || ** Definition **
 * Asks students to: ** ||
 * Analyse || AO3 || break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure ||
 * Annotate || AO4 || add brief notes to a diagram or graph ||
 * Classify || AO2 || arrange or order by class or categories ||
 * Compare || AO3 || give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations (referring to both (all) of them throughout) ||
 * Compare and contrast || AO3 || give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations (referring to both (all) of them throughout) ||
 * Construct || AO2, AO4 || display information in a diagrammatic or logical form ||
 * Contrast || AO3 || give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations (referring to both (all) of them throughout) ||
 * Define || AO1 || give the precise meaning of, for example, a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity ||
 * Describe || AO1 || give a detailed account ||
 * Determine || AO1, AO4 || obtain the only possible answer ||
 * Discuss || AO2, AO3 || offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence. ||
 * Distinguish || AO2 || make clear the differences between two or more concepts/items. ||
 * Draw || AO4 || represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined in a straight line or smooth curve. ||
 * Estimate || AO1 || obtain an approximate value ||
 * Evaluate || AO3 || make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations ||
 * Examine || AO3 || consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue. ||
 * Explain || AO2 || give a detailed account including reasons or causes ||
 * Identify || AO1 || find an answer from a number of possibilities ||
 * Justify || AO3 || give valid reasons or evidence for an answer or conclusion. ||
 * Label || AO4 || add labels to a diagram ||
 * Outline || AO1 || give a brief account or summary ||
 * State || AO1 || give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation ||
 * Suggest || AO2 || propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer ||
 * To what extent || AO3 || consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with empirical evidence and sound argument. ||