command terms tarsia.jpg  This file contains a chart with some of the main command terms and their definitions taken direct form the Edexcel spec. I thought it might be fun for them to learn the terms and then complete a tarsia. I found the triangle template on google. The pupils can write the terms on to the triangles in one lesson and then one the next lesson they can match them up to make a large triangle. here are nine terms so the final triangle will be made up of 9 little triangles. There will be some spares as the only template I could find was a little bigger.

Analyse: Break something down into its components/parts. Examine each part methodically and in detail in order to discover the meaning or essential features of a theme, topic or situation. Explore the relationship between the features and how each one contributes to the topic.

Assess: Give careful consideration to all the factors or events that apply and identify which are the most important or relevant. Make a judgement on the importance of something, and come to a conclusion.

Calculate: Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. If the answer has a unit, this must be included.

Compare: Looking for the similarities and differences of two (or more) things. This should not require the drawing of a conclusion. The answer must relate to both (or all) things mentioned in the question. The answer must include at least one similarity and one difference.

Complete: To fill in/write all the details asked for.

Convert: Express a quantity in alternative units.

Define: Provide a definition of something.

Describe: To give an account of something. Statements in the response need to be developed as they are often linked but do not need to include a justification or reason.

Determine: The answer must have an element that is quantitative from the stimulus provided, or must show how the answer can be reached quantitatively. To gain maximum marks there must be a quantitative element to the answer.

Discuss: Explore the issue/situation/problem/argument that is being presented within the question, articulating different or contrasting viewpoints.

Draw: Produce an output, either by freehand or using a ruler (e.g. graph)

Evaluate: Review information then bring it together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence including strengths, weaknesses, alternative actions, relevant data or information. Come to a supported judgement of a subject’s qualities and relation to its context.

Explain: An explanation that requires a justification/exemplification of a point. The answer must contain some element of reasoning/justification. This can include mathematical explanations.

Give: Generally involves the recall of one or more pieces of information; when used in relation to a context, it is used to determine a candidate’s grasp of the factual information presented.

Identify: This requires some key information to be selected from a given stimulus/resource.

Interpret: Recognise a trend or pattern(s) within a given stimulus/resource

Justify: Rationalise a decision or action.

Name: Synonymous with ‘Give’

Plot: Produce, or add detail to, a graph/chart by marking points accurately (e.g. line of best fit)

Predict: Articulate an expected result

State: Synonymous with ‘Give’

Suggest: Make a proposal/propose an idea in written form

To what extent: Review information then bring it together to form a judgement conclusion, following the provision of a balanced and reasoned argument.