Command terms
Classification of command terms
In the learning outcomes (see syllabus content) the command terms are associated with assessment objectives 1, 2 or 3 and indicate the depth of understanding that is required of students in relation to each item of content. The grouping of command terms under assessment objectives reflects the cognitive demand of each term and is related to Bloom's taxonomy.
A command term used in an examination question will be:
the same as that specified in the related learning outcome, or
another command term associated with the same assessment objective, or
a command term of less cognitive demand.
For example, if a learning outcome begins with the command term "explain", an examination question based on this learning outcome could contain the command term "explain", another command term associated with assessment objective 2 (such as "analyse"), or a command term associated with assessment objective 1 (such as "describe"), but not a command term associated with assessment objective 3 (such as "evaluate").
Renaissance Learning's Assessment Tiers
English: Three pedagogical influencers on User:Jtn...
Knowledge Transferring Assessment: Principal Desig...Command terms associated with assessment objective 1: Knowledge and comprehension
Define | Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity. |
Describe | Give a detailed account. |
Outline | Give a brief account or summary. |
State | Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation. |
Command terms associated with assessment objective 2: Application and analysis
Analyse | Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. |
Apply | Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue. |
Distinguish | Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items. |
Explain | Give a detailed account including reasons or causes. |
Command terms associated with assessment objective 3: Synthesis and evaluation
Compare | Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, |