You probably looking at your BTEC assignment and wondering what the command word in the question is actually asking you to do? Well if this is you, then Pearson have produced the following guide on what the operative verbs actually mean.
|
Typically for a Pass grade you will find; Describe Give a clear description that includes all the relevant features - think of it as ‘painting a picture with words’ Define Clearly explain what a particular term means and give an example, if appropriate, to show what you mean Design Create a plan, proposal or outline to illustrate a straightforward concept or idea Explain Set out in detail the meaning of something, with reasons. More difficult than describe or list, so it can help to give an example to show what you mean. Start by introducing the topic then give the ‘how’ or ‘why’ Identify Point out or choose the right one or give a list of the main features Illustrate Include examples or a diagram to show what you mean Interpret Define or explain the meaning of something List Provide the information in a list, rather than in continuous writing Outline Write a clear description but not a detailed one Plan Work out and plan how you would carry out a task or activity State Write a clear and full account Summarise Write down or articulate briefly the main points or essential features |
|
Typically for a Merit grade you will find; Analyse Identify separate factors, say how they are related and how each one contributes to the topic Assess Give careful consideration to all the factors or events that apply and identify which are the most important or relevant Compare/Contrast Identify the main factors that apply in two or more situations and explain the similarities and differences or advantages and disadvantages Demonstrate Provide several relevant examples or related evidence which clearly support the arguments you are making. This may include showing practical skills Design Create a plan, proposal or outline to illustrate a relatively complex concept or idea Explain in detail Provide details and give reasons and/or evidence to clearly support the argument you are making Justify How/ Why Give reasons or evidence to support your opinion or view to show how you arrived at these conclusions |
| Typically for a Distinction grade you will find;
Appraise Consider the positive and negative points and give a reasoned judgement Assess Make a judgement on the importance of something – similar to evaluate Comment critically Give your view after you have considered all the evidence. In particular decide the importance of all the relevant positive and negative aspects Criticise Review a topic or issue objectively and weigh up both positive and negative points before making a decision Draw conclusions Use the evidence you have provided to reach a reasoned judgement Evaluate Review the information then bring it together to form a conclusion. Give evidence for each of your views or statements Evaluate critically Decide the degree to which a statement is true or the importance or value of something by reviewing the information. Include precise and detailed information and assess possible alternatives, bearing in mind their strengths and weaknesses if they were applied instead.
|