Help students crack the code for exam success

Understanding and accurately interpreting command words during assessments is a critical skill for our students, particularly in subjects like chemistry. Command words such as describe, explain, compare and evaluate dictate the nature of the response expected.

1. Introduce command words with examples early

It’s important to introduce students to command words as early as possible. Starting early allows students to internalise the meaning and requirements of each term long before they encounter them in assessments.

You can provide a glossary of command words with their definitions, and explicitly teach the differences between them. For example, describe asks for a detailed account of what happens, while explain requires reasons behind the event.

I typically use a chameleon as an example with my youngest classes. For a describe question, they might say, ‘A chameleon changes colour to blend in with its surroundings.’ For an explain question, they would add reasoning. Such as, ‘A chameleon changes colour to hide from predators or regulate its body temperature.’

Once students grasp the difference between these two command words, you can apply the same approach to other command words like compare and evaluate – here, they could compare plastic and paper bags, followed by evaluating their environmental impacts.

2. Use ‘If … then …’ scaffolding for responses

After students understand the differences between command words, they need scaffolds to help structure their answers correctly. For example, for a describe question, I instruct students to list observable characteristics. For an explain question, I encourage them to use connecting words like ‘because’, ‘and’ or ‘so’ to ensure they provide reasoning. When answering compare questions, some exam boards allow students to use tables with columns for similarities and differences. For evaluate questions, I teach students to make a judgment and justify their choice with phrases like ‘I think [X] is the better option because [Y].’

It’s important to introduce command words gradually to avoid overwhelming students. Start with less demanding commands, ensuring students fully understand them before moving on to more complex commands. I often create an ‘If … then …’ cheat sheet for my exam classes, which outlines both the meaning of the command words and strategies for answering them correctly.

3. Integrate peer review for immediate feedback

Common pitfalls

A common pitfall in teaching command words is assuming students understand them after a single lesson. Continual retrieval and reinforcement are crucial.

In summary, explicitly teaching students how to decode command words and structure their answers accordingly is crucial for their success in assessments. Introducing these words early, providing structured scaffolds and incorporating peer review are all effective strategies. Continual reinforcement and considering the context of the command words will help students master this vital skill.