Command Words

The reading-specific learning outcome statements (LOS) contained in the study sessions are carefully designed to indicate what you should learn from each assignment. Although the format of the exams may not lend itself to using the following command words in the actual questions, you should be able to answer the exam questions if you can successfully accomplish the learning outcomes described by these command words in the LOS.

Commonly used command words:

Analyze Appraise Arrange Calculate Cite Classify Combine Comment Compare Compose Compute Conclude Construct Contrast Convert Create Criticize Critique To study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of by analysis. To judge and analyze the worth, significance, or status of. To put into a proper order or into a correct or suitable sequence, relationship, or adjustment. To ascertain or determine by mathematical processes. To quote by way of evidence, authority, or proof. To arrange in classes; to assign to a category. To bring into such close relationship as to obscure individual characteristics. To observe, remark, or express an opinion or attitude concerning what has been seen or heard about the subject at hand. To examine the character or qualities of, for the primary purpose of discovering resemblances. To form by putting together; to form the substance of. To determine, especially by mathematical means. To make a decision about; to reach a logically necessary end by reasoning. To create by organizing ideas or concepts logically and coherently. To compare in respect to differences. To change from one form or function to another. To produce or bring about by a course of action or imaginative skill. To consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly; to find fault with. To offer a critical review or commentary.

Characterize To describe the essential character or quality of.

Define

To set forth the meaning of; specifically, to formulate a definition of.

Demonstrate To prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence; to illustrate and explain, especially with examples. Describe Design Determine Diagram Differentiate To transmit a mental image, an impression, or an understanding of the nature and characteristics of. To conceive or plan out in the mind. To come to a decision as the result of investigation or reasoning; to settle or decide by choice among alternatives or possibilities. To represent by or put into the form of a diagram. To mark or show a difference in; to develop different characteristics in.

Discriminate To mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of; to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences. Discuss Distinguish Draft Draw Estimate Evaluate Explain Formulate Give Identify Illustrate Indicate Infer Interpret Judge Justify To discourse about through reasoning or argument; to present in detail. To perceive a difference in; to separate into kinds, classes, or categories. To draw up, compose, prepare, frame. To express graphically in words; to delineate. To judge the value, worth, or significance of. To determine or fix the value of; to determine the significance or worth of, usually by careful appraisal and study. To give the meaning or significance of; to provide an understanding of; to give the reason for or cause of. To put into a systematized statement or expression; to prepare according to a formula. To yield or furnish as a product, consequence, or effect; to offer for the consideration, acceptance, or use of another. To establish the identity of; to show or prove the sameness of. To make clear, especially by giving examples or instances. To point out or point to with more or less exactness; to show or make known with a fair degree of certainty. To derive as a conclusion from factors or premises. To explain or tell the meaning of; to present in understandable terms. To form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises. To prove or show to be valid, sound, or conforming to fact or

reason; to furnish grounds or evidence for. List Match Modify Name Order Outline Predict Prepare Present Rearrange To enumerate. To pair up or put in a set as possessing equal or harmonizing attributes. To make minor changes to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end. To mention or identify by name. To put in order; to arrange. To indicate the principal features or different parts of. To declare in advance; to foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or reason. To put into written form; to draw up. To offer or convey by way of message; to furnish or provide. To put back into proper order or into a correct or suitable sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

Recommend To bring forward as being fit or worthy; to indicate as being one's choice for something or as otherwise having one's approval or support. Record Relate Respond Restate Review Revise Select Separate Show Solve State Subdivide Summarize Support Write To set down in writing; to make an answer. To show or establish logical or causal connection between. To say or write something in return; to make an answer. To state again in a new form. To make a formal or official examination of the state of; to go over or examine critically or deliberately. To make a new, amended, improved, or up-to-date version of. To choose from a number or group -- usually, by fitness, excellence, or other distinguishing feature. To set or keep apart; to make a distinction between; to sort. To set forth in a statement, account, or description; to make evident or clear. To find a solution for a problem. To express in words. To divide the parts into more parts. To tell in or reduce to a summary. To provide with verification, corroboration, or substantiation. To put on paper; to record, state, or explain.