Command words in Geography Follow us on twitter @Magnus_Geog

Command words Command word What it means Account for Explain the reasons for something. Compare Identify similarities and differences. Define Give a clear meaning. Describe Say what something is like or what happened. Explain Give reasons why something happens. Can be linked to descriptions with connectives. How far/To what extent Give both sides of an argument. Justify Give evidence to support your answer. List Just state the answers or options, no description is needed. Outline You need to describe and explain but mostly describe.

Describe Say what something is like, or what happened. Example question “Describe what the graph shows about the growth in global population” Connectives used when describing in detail. As well as, in addition, also, furthermore, additionally

Explain Give reasons why something happens Example question “Explain how Earthquakes are caused” Connectives for linking descriptions to explanations Because, therefore, as a result of, so, consequently

Compare Identify similarities and differences Example question “Compare the responses to flooding in an LEDC and an MEDC Connectives for comparing Similarly, whereas, likewise, unlike, on the other hand, compared with

Justify Give evidence to support your answer Example question “Which aid project is most suitable? Justify your choice” Connectives for justifying Above all, importantly, moreover, in particular, especially