2. To obtain a PASS I need to…
Demonstrate that I
understand the
important facts about
the topic
3. A PASS means I can…
Command Word This means…
Create or Produce Make, invent or construct an item
Describe Give a clear, straightforward description that includes the main points and
links them together logically
Define Explain what a term means and give an example, if appropriate to show
what I mean
Explain Give the meaning of something, with reasons. Start with the topic then give
the ‘how’ or ‘why’
Identify Distinguish and state the main features or basic facts relating to a topic
Interpret Define or explain the meaning
4. A PASS means I can…
Command Word This means…
Illustrate Give examples to show what I mean
List Provide the information in a list rather than continuous writing
Outline Write a clear description that includes all the main points but avoid going
into too much detail
Plan or Devise Work out and explain how I would carry out an activity
Select and present
information
Identify relevant information to support the argument I am making and
communicate this in an appropriate way
State Write a clear full account
Undertake Carry out a specific activity
5. To obtain a MERIT I need to…
Prove that I can apply
my knowledge in a
specific way
6. To achieve a MERIT I can…
Command Word This means…
Analyse Identify separate factors, say how they are related and how each one
relates to the topic
Classify Sort my information into appropriate categories before presenting or
explaining it
Compare &
Contrast
Identify the main factors that apply and explain the similarities and the
differences or advantages or disadvantages
Demonstrate Provide relevant examples or evidence that supports the arguments I am
making
Discuss Provide a thoughtful and logical argument to support the case I am making
7. To achieve a MERIT I can…
Command Word This means…
Implement Put into practice or operation. I may have to interpret or justify the result
Interpret Understand and explain a result
Justify Give appropriate reasons to support my opinion or views and show how I
arrived at these conclusions
Relate/Report Give a full account, with reasons
Research Carry out a full investigation
Specify Provide full details and descriptions of selected items or activities
8. To obtain a DISTINCTION I need to…
Prove that I can
make a reasoned
judgement based on
evidence
9. To achieve a DISTINCTION I…
Command Word This means…
Analyse Identify the key factors, show how they are linked and explain the
importance and relevance of each
Assess Give careful consideration to all the factors or events that apply and identify
which are the most important and relevant with reason for my views
Comprehensively
Explain
Give a VERY detailed explanation that covers all the relevant points and
give reasons for my views or actions
10. To achieve a DISTINCTION I…
Command Word This means…
Comment
Critically
Give my view after I have considered all the evidence. Particularly the
importance of both the relevant positive and negative aspects
Evaluate Review the information and then bring it together to form a conclusion. Give
evidence to support each of my views
Evaluate Critically Review the information to decide the degree to which something is true,
important or valuable. Then assess possible alternatives taking into
account their strengths and weaknesses if they were applied instead. Then
give a precise and detailed account to explain my opinion
Summarise Identify review the main, relevant factors and/or arguments so that these
are explained in a clear and concise manner
