Command terms - an exercise for students

1. Fill in the blanks in the table below:

Command term Definition Objective

e.g. Define Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical 1
quantity.
Suggest
Represent or develop in graphical form.
Annotate
Add labels to a diagram. 1
Estimate
Interpret data to reach conclusions. 3
Compare

2. Distinguish between:

Draw(1) and Draw means represent by means of pencil lines. Sketch means represent by
Sketch (3) means of a diagram or graph (with appropriate labeling). The sketch should
give a general idea of the required shape or relationship and should include
the relevant features.

Label (1) and

annotate (2)

List (1) and

Describe (2)

Calculate (2)
and Determine
(3)

Compare (3)
and Compare
and contrast(3)

Explain (3) and

Explore (3)

© Dr. Geoffrey Neuss, InThinking

http://www.thinkib.net/chemistry 1
Command terms - an exercise for students (cont.)

3. Match the command terms with the Definition

Command Definition
Term

Classify Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.

Predict Obtain a value for a quantity.

Distinguish Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem
or issue.
Identify Give a detailed account.

Analyse Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept(s) or argument(s).

Construct Arrange or order by class or category.

Justify Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Solve Give an expected result.

Suggest Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Interpret Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical
methods.
Define Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Measure Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Apply Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.

Describe Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Formulate Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions
from given information.

© Dr. Geoffrey Neuss, InThinking

http://www.thinkib.net/chemistry 2