| The big ones Command words used across almost every subject. |
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Analyse
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Break down information to show relationships and draw supported conclusions using evidence.
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Break down information to show relationships and draw supported conclusions using evidence.
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Break down information to show relationships and draw supported conclusions using evidence.
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Assess
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Weigh up the importance of different factors to make an informed judgement.
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Weigh up the importance of different factors to make an informed judgement.
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Calculate
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Work out a numerical answer using mathematical methods, showing clear working.
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Work out a numerical answer using mathematical methods, showing clear working.
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Work out a numerical answer using mathematical methods, showing clear working.
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Choose
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Select from given options
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Compare
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Identify similarities and/or differences between two or more items.
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Identify similarities and/or differences between two or more items.
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Identify similarities and/or differences between two or more items.
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Complete
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Fill in missing information in a table, diagram, or sentence.
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Fill in missing information in a table, diagram, or sentence.
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Fill in missing information in a table, diagram, or sentence.
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Construct
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Create an accurate geometric figure using appropriate instruments.
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Create an accurate geometric figure using appropriate instruments.
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Create an accurate geometric figure using appropriate instruments.
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Define
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Give the precise meaning of a term or concept.
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Give the precise meaning of a term or concept.
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Describe
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Give an account of something with relevant detail and development.
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Give an account of something with relevant detail and development.
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Give an account of something with relevant detail and development.
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Discuss
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Consider different aspects or arguments, giving points for and against.
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Consider different aspects or arguments, giving points for and against.
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Consider different aspects or arguments, giving points for and against.
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Draw
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Construct a diagram, graph, or chart accurately with correct labelling.
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Construct a diagram, graph, or chart accurately with correct labelling.
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Construct a diagram, graph, or chart accurately with correct labelling.
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Estimate
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Find an approximate value using rounded numbers or sensible approximations.
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Find an approximate value using rounded numbers or sensible approximations.
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Find an approximate value using rounded numbers or sensible approximations.
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Evaluate
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Weigh up arguments for and against to reach a justified, supported judgement.
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Weigh up arguments for and against to reach a justified, supported judgement.
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Weigh up arguments for and against to reach a justified, supported judgement.
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Explain
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Give reasons or justifications for something with clear reasoning.
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Give reasons or justifications for something with clear reasoning.
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Give reasons or justifications for something with clear reasoning.
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Give
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Provide a short, specific piece of information such as a name, reason, or value.
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Provide a short, specific piece of information such as a name, reason, or value.
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Provide a short, specific piece of information such as a name, reason, or value.
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How
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Describe the method, process, or mechanism by which something occurs.
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Make a judgement about the extent to which something is true.
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Find a numerical count or frequency
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Identify
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Select or name a specific item, feature, or piece of information from given options or resources.
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Select or name a specific item, feature, or piece of information from given options or resources.
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Select or name a specific item, feature, or piece of information from given options or resources.
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Justify
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Give evidence or reasons to support an answer, decision, or viewpoint.
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Give evidence or reasons to support an answer, decision, or viewpoint.
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Give evidence or reasons to support an answer, decision, or viewpoint.
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Name
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Provide the correct term, example, or identification.
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Provide the correct term, example, or identification.
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Outline
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Set out main characteristics or general principles
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Plot
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Mark points accurately on a grid or graph, often to produce a line or curve.
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Mark points accurately on a grid or graph, often to produce a line or curve.
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Mark points accurately on a grid or graph, often to produce a line or curve.
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Predict
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Suggest what will happen based on given information, knowledge, or a trend.
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Suggest what will happen based on given information, knowledge, or a trend.
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Suggest what will happen based on given information, knowledge, or a trend.
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Prove
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Use logical reasoning and known facts to establish the truth of a statement.
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Use logical reasoning and known facts to establish the truth of a statement.
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Use logical reasoning and known facts to establish the truth of a statement.
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Shade
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Select correct answer(s) in a multiple-choice format
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Show
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Provide a logical sequence of steps to verify or demonstrate a given result.
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Provide a logical sequence of steps to verify or demonstrate a given result.
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Provide a logical sequence of steps to verify or demonstrate a given result.
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Simplify
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Express an algebraic expression or numerical term in its simplest form.
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Express an algebraic expression or numerical term in its simplest form.
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Express an algebraic expression or numerical term in its simplest form.
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Sketch
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Draw a freehand diagram or graph showing key features without precise plotting.
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Draw a freehand diagram or graph showing key features without precise plotting.
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Draw a freehand diagram or graph showing key features without precise plotting.
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Solve
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Find the value(s) of an unknown that satisfy an equation or inequality.
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Find the value(s) of an unknown that satisfy an equation or inequality.
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Find the value(s) of an unknown that satisfy an equation or inequality.
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State
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Give a brief, factual answer without explanation or elaboration.
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Give a brief, factual answer without explanation or elaboration.
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Give a brief, factual answer without explanation or elaboration.
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Suggest
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Apply knowledge to propose a plausible idea, reason, or method for a new situation.
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Apply knowledge to propose a plausible idea, reason, or method for a new situation.
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Apply knowledge to propose a plausible idea, reason, or method for a new situation.
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Tick
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Select the correct answer(s) from a list of given options.
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Select the correct answer(s) from a list of given options.
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Select the correct answer(s) from a list of given options.
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Use
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Apply given information, graph, table, or diagram to answer the question.
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Apply given information, graph, table, or diagram to answer the question.
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Apply given information, graph, table, or diagram to answer the question.
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What
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Recall or identify a specific piece of information
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Define or identify.
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Interpret the meaning of a term or feature
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Which
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Select from a given set of options.
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Select from a given set of options.
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Why
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Asks for a reason (similar to 'Explain').
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Work out
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Perform a calculation to find a numerical answer.
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Perform a calculation to find a numerical answer.
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Perform a calculation to find a numerical answer.
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Write
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State or record an answer, expression, or statement directly.
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State or record an answer, expression, or statement directly.
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State or record an answer, expression, or statement directly.
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| The science ones Show up mainly in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. |
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Add/Label
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Requires the addition or labelling of a stimulus material given in the question, for example labelling a diagram or adding units to a table.
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Deduce
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Draw a conclusion from the information provided.
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Draw a conclusion from the information provided.
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Design
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Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles/ideas.
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Determine
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Use given information to establish a fact, value, or outcome.
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The answer must have an element that is quantitative from the stimulus provided, or must show how the answer can be reached quantitatively.
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Devise
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Plan an experiment or procedure.
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Give a reason/reasons
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When a statement has been made and the requirement is only to give the reason(s) why.
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Interpret
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Explain the meaning of data, information, or a graphical representation.
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Explain the meaning of data, information, or a graphical representation.
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Label
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Add identifying words to a specified part of a diagram.
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Measure
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Determine a value from a diagram or apparatus
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Place
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Put items in a specific order or sequence.
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Plan
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Design a valid investigation method to test a hypothesis.
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Recall
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Remember and write down a specific fact.
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Remember and write down a specific fact.
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Select
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Choose from given options.
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What / Why / Which
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Direct command words used for multiple-choice questions.
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Where
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Identify a location or site.
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| The humanities ones Used in History, Geography, Religious Studies and similar. |
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Examine
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Investigate closely using evidence from resources.
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Investigate closely using evidence from resources.
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How significant
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Evaluate the importance of something.
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How useful
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Evaluate the value of a source for a particular enquiry
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Using
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Refer to information from a specified source
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What term
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A variant of 'Identify' used specifically for multiple-choice questions asking for key sociological terminology.
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| The maths ones Used in Maths (and sometimes Sciences). |
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Answer
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Respond to a question, often requiring interpretation
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Change
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Convert a quantity from one unit to another.
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Circle
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Select the correct answer by drawing a circle around it
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Identify a point or outlier on a graph
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Convert
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Change from one unit or form to another
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Decide
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Make a judgement based on calculation or reasoning
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Enlarge
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Draw a shape similar to a given shape by a scale factor
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Expand
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Multiply out brackets in an algebraic expression.
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Multiply out brackets in an algebraic expression.
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Express
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Write an answer or relationship in a specified form.
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Write an answer or relationship in a specified form.
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Factorise
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Express an algebraic expression as a product of its factors.
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Find
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Determine a value, expression, or result from given information or calculation.
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Determine a value, expression, or result from given information or calculation.
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Give a reason
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Provide a justification or supporting fact for a statement or conclusion.
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Provide a justification or supporting fact for a statement or conclusion.
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Insert
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Place a symbol or number into an expression
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List
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Write down a set of items, often in a systematic order.
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Write down a set of items, often in a systematic order.
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Make
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Rearrange a formula to change the subject.
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Make an accurate drawing
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Construct a shape to given dimensions using instruments
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Mark
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Indicate a specific point or feature on a provided diagram.
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Match
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Pair items from one set with corresponding items from another
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Put in order
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Arrange numbers or expressions from smallest to largest (or vice versa)
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Rationalise
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Rewrite a surd expression with rational denominator
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Rearrange
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Change the subject of a formula.
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Change the subject of a formula.
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Represent
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Show information graphically or symbolically
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| The rest Board-specific or subject-specific outliers. |
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Recommend
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Present a justified course of action.
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Using Figure/Table
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Extract and use information from the given stimulus material.
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