Reading the command word
Every 40-mark question is an evaluation task. The command word tells you exactly how to frame that evaluation.
| Command word | What to do |
|---|---|
| Assess | Judge the strength of the arguments and conclude with a reasoned verdict on how convincing the claim is. |
| Discuss | Present and weigh different views on the issue, then reach a justified judgement. |
| Evaluate | Weigh strengths and weaknesses of the arguments and reach a supported conclusion. |
| To what extent… | Argue how far a claim holds — nuance the degree rather than giving an all-or-nothing answer. |
| "…is the best / most useful" | Compare against the alternatives and justify your ranking. |
Whatever the command word, the examiner wants a sustained argument that weighs views, uses scholars on both sides, and reaches a clear, justified conclusion tied to the exact wording.
Checklist
- Identify the command word and mirror it in your thesis.
- For 'to what extent', argue the degree — not all-or-nothing.
- For 'best/most useful', compare explicitly against alternatives.