These command terms indicate the depth of treatment required for a given assessment statement. These command terms will be used in examination questions, so it is important that students are familiar with the following definitions:

Objective 1:

• Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, pharase or physical quantity.
• Draw: Represent by means of pencil lines.
• Label: Add labels to a diagram.
• List: Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation.
• Measure: Find a value for a quantity.
• State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

Objective 2:

• Annotate: Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
• Apply: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation.
• Calculate: Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working (unless instructed not to do so).
• Describe: Give a detailed account.
• Distinguish: Give the differences between two or more different items.
• Estimate: Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity.
• Identify: Find an answer from a given number of possibilities.
• Outline: Give a brief account or summary.

Objective 3:

• Analyze: Interpret data to reach conclusions.
• Comment: Give a judgement based on a given statement or result of a calculation.
• Compare: Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
• Construct: Represent or develop in graphical form.
• Deduce: Reach a conclusion from the information given.
• Derive: manipulate a mathematical relationship(s) to give a new equation or relationship.
• Design: Produce a plan, simulation or model.
• Determine: Find the only possible answer.
• Discuss: give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and against the relative importance of various factors, or comparisons of alternative hypotheses.
• Evaluate: Assess the implications and limitations.
• Explain: Give a detailed account of causes, reasons or mechanisms.
• Predict: Give an expected result.
• Show: Give the steps in a calculation or derivation.
• Sketch: Represent by means of a graph showing a line and labelled but unscaled axes but with important features (for example, intercept) clearly indicated.
• Solve: Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods.
• Suggest: Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer