1. Command words in Geography
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2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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