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Specification Analysis

Command Verbs

20 min

Simple Explanation

Command verbs are the action words in assessment criteria that tell learners what they need to do — describe, explain, analyse, evaluate. Each verb carries a specific cognitive demand.

Professional Definition

Command verbs define the cognitive process learners must demonstrate. Classified by cognitive demand using Bloom's Taxonomy or similar frameworks, they determine appropriate assessment methods, mark allocations, and expected response types.

Explain It to a 10-Year-Old

Command verbs are like instructions in a game. "Describe" means tell me what you see. "Analyse" means take it apart and explain the pieces. "Evaluate" means judge how good or bad it is.

Why It Matters

Misinterpreting a command verb can invalidate an entire assessment. If a criterion says "evaluate" but your question only asks learners to "describe", you are measuring the wrong cognitive level — a validity failure.

Where It Fits in the Process

This topic belongs to Specification Analysis in the assessment development journey.

Command Verbs Qualification Level Constructs Assessment Objectives

Step-by-Step Process

1
Identify all command verbs in criteria

List every verb from each assessment criterion

2
Classify each verb by cognitive level

Use Bloom's Taxonomy or awarding body's framework

3
Match verbs to assessment methods

Recall verbs suit MCQs; evaluation verbs need extended response

4
Check mark allocation aligns

Higher cognitive demand may justify more marks

Worked Example

Verb: Evaluate
Correct assessment: 'Evaluate the effectiveness of two digital tools for managing customer records. Justify which you would recommend.'
Incorrect: 'Describe two digital tools for managing customer records.'
The first assesses evaluation (AO4); the second only assesses recall (AO1).

Common Mistakes

MistakeProblemBetter Approach
Treating all verbs as equal "Identify" and "evaluate" require fundamentally different tasks Design assessment tasks matched to each verb's specific demand
Ignoring the specification's verb glossary Different AOs define verbs differently Always consult the specification's own definitions first

Checklist

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Interview Connection

You may be asked about this topic in assessment developer interviews.

Practice Interview Questions

Knowledge Check (3 Questions)

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Summary

  • Command verbs define cognitive demand: what learners must do
  • Different verbs require different assessment methods
  • Always check the specification glossary for precise verb meanings
  • Misaligned verbs mean invalid assessment
  • Bloom's Taxonomy helps classify verb levels from recall to evaluation
Qualification Level