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Command terms for global politics

Command terms with definitions

Students should be familiar with the following key terms and phrases used in examination questions, which are to be understood as described below. Although these terms will be used frequently in examination questions, other terms may be used to direct students to present an argument in a specific way.

Command term

Assessment objective level

Definition

Analyze

AO2

Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Compare

AO3

Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Compare and contrast

AO3

Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Contrast

AO3

Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Define

AO1

Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.

Describe

AO1

Give a detailed account.

Discuss

AO3

Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Distinguish

AO2

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Evaluate

AO3

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

K. Guru Charan Kumar www .eegurumantra.com

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Examine	AO3	Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Explain	AO2	Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Identify	AO1	Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Justify	AO3	Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Outline	AO1	Give a brief account or summary.
Suggest	AO2	Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.
To what extent	AO3	Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

K. Guru Charan Kumar www .eegurumantra.com