Complete Guide to Understanding VCE Command Terms

One of the key things our tutors teach students who are preparing for their VCE exams is making sure they are aware of the VCE command terms.

Mastering the command terms is very important for exam technique. It can be the difference between getting a mark and not.

Why is knowing the command terms important?

Each command term represents a level of cognitive demand, which VCAA uses to assess a range of skills, from basic recall to complex evaluation. If you’re asked to analyse but only describe, you’re not demonstrating the higher-order thinking the question requires.

Ultimately, the command terms will point you in the right direction with what is required in your answers. By understanding the command terms you can always feel comfortable that you understand what is required from the question.

Even if you do not get the answer 100% correctly, if you answer it in the correct way you may be eligible for partial marks.

Mastering the VCE command terms will make you answer questions quicker and get more marks

What are the command terms?

These are the command terms for VCE as outline by the VCAA:

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Command Term	Explanation
account of	Describe a series of events or transactions.
account for	State reasons for; report on.
analyse	Identify components/elements and the significance of the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications; determine logic and reasonableness of information.
apply	Use; employ in a particular situation or context.
assess	Make a judgment about, or measure, determine or estimate, the value, quality, outcomes, results, size, significance, nature or extent of something.
calculate	Determine from given facts, figures or information; obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working; determine or find (e.g. a number, answer) by using mathematical processes.
clarify	Make a statement or situation more comprehensible.
compare	Recognise similarities and differences and the significance of these similarities and differences.
construct	Make, build, create or put together by arranging ideas or items (e.g. an argument, artefact or solution); display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.
contrast	Show how things are different or opposite.
deduce	Draw a conclusion from given information, data, a narrative, an argument, an opinion, a design and/or a plan.
define	Give the precise meaning and identify essential qualities of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
demonstrate	Show ideas, how something can be done or that something is true by using examples or practical applications, or by applying algorithms or formulas.
describe	Provide characteristics, features and qualities of a given concept, opinion, situation, event, process, effect, argument, narrative, text, experiment, artwork, performance piece or other artefact in an accurate way.
discuss	Present a clear, considered and balanced argument or prose that identifies issues and shows the strengths and weaknesses of, or points for and against, one or more arguments, concepts, factors, hypotheses, narratives and/or opinions.
distinguish	Make clear the differences between two or more arguments, concepts, opinions, narratives, artefacts, data points, trends and/or items.
evaluate	Ascertain the value or amount of; make a judgment using the information supplied, criteria and/or own knowledge and understanding to consider a logical argument and/or supporting evidence for and against different points, arguments, concepts, processes, opinions or other information.
examine	Consider an argument, concept, debate, data point, trend or artefact in a way that identifies assumptions, possibilities and interrelationships.
explain	Give a detailed account of why and/or how with reference to causes, effects, continuity, change, reasons or mechanisms; make the relationships between things evident.
extract	Select relevant and/or appropriate detail from an argument, issue or artefact.
extrapolate	Infer and/or extend information that may not be clearly stated from a narrative, opinion, graph or image by assuming existing trends will continue.
identify	Recognise and name and/or select an event, feature, ingredient, element, speaker and/or part from a list or extended narrative or argument, or within a diagram, structure, artwork or experiment.
infer	Derive conclusions from available information or evidence, or through reasoning, rather than through explicit statements.
interpret	Draw meaning from an argument, point of view, description or diagram, text, image or artwork and determine significance within context.
investigate	Observe, study or carry out an examination in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
justify	Show, prove or defend, with reasoning and evidence, an argument, decision and/or point of view using given data and/or other information.
list	Provide a series of related words, names, numbers or items that are arranged consecutively.
name	Provide a word or term (something that is known and distinguished from other people or things) used to identify an object, person, thing, place etc.
outline	Provide an overview or the main features of an argument, point of view, text, narrative, diagram or image.
persuade	Induce (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument; convince.
predict	Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event; suggest what may happen based on available information.
propose	Suggest or put forward a point of view, idea, argument, diagram, plan and/or suggestion based on given data or stimulus material for consideration or action.
recall	Present remembered ideas, facts and/or experiences.
recommend	Put forward and/or approve (someone or something) as being suitable for a particular purpose or role.
recount	Retell a series of events or steps in a process, usually in order.
state	Give a specific name or value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
suggest	Put forward for consideration a solution, hypothesis, idea or other possible answer.
summarise	Retell concisely the relevant and major details of one or more arguments, text, narratives, methodologies, processes, outcomes and/or sequences of events.
synthesise	Combine various elements to make a whole or an overall point.

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Understanding the command terms

Not all the command terms require the same depth in answer. Some command terms only require short answers where others want you to elaborate deeply.

Below we have group the command terms into categories to help you further your mastery of then:

Identify

Terms include : define, identify, list, name, recall, recount, state

Purpose: Test basic recall of facts or terms.
Response style: Short, precise answers; often worth just 1–2 marks.
Example (for Psychology): “Define classical conditioning”

Level 2: Describe

Terms include: account of, clarify, contrast, describe, distinguish, outline, recount, suggest, summarise

Purpose: Require detailed, structured information—more than recall.
Response style: Provide characteristics, sequences, comparisons; typically for 2–4 mark questions.
Example (for Health and Human Development): “Outline two characteristics of emotional development during late adolescence.”

Level 3: Explain

Terms include: account for, calculate, demonstrate, explain, interpret

Purpose: Draw connections between causes, mechanisms, and effects.
Response style: Use principles, equations or detailed reasoning; connect cause and effect.
Example (for Legal Studies): “Explain how the presumption of innocence is upheld in the criminal justice system”

Level 4: Analyse and Beyond

Terms include: analyse, apply, compare, construct, contrast, deduce, discuss, examine, extrapolate, infer, predict, synthesise

Purpose: Engage in higher-order thinking — interpreting, analysing, applying.
Response style: Structure your answers logically, use evidence, draw conclusions, and provide judgments.
Example (for Business Management): “Compare a hierarchical and flat management structure in terms of communication and decision-making.”

Level 5: Evaluate

Terms include: assess, evaluate, justify, persuade, propose, recommend

What it requires: Judgement based on criteria, weighing up pros and cons or strengths and weaknesses.
Response style: Clear introduction, body paragraphs exploring both sides, and a conclusion that states a reasoned judgement.
Example (for Economics): “Evaluate the effectiveness of monetary policy in controlling inflation in Australia.”

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Final thoughts

So much of succeeding in the VCE comes down to exam technique — and a huge part of that is understanding how examiners mark your responses. That’s where command terms come in. They’re not there to trick you — in fact, they’re giving you a blueprint for how to answer. The clearer your understanding of each term, the more confidently and accurately you can respond to any question that comes your way.

❗ Pro Tip: Before you begin writing any response in an exam, underline or highlight the command term. Make sure you know exactly what it’s asking you to do — this could be the difference between a 4 and a 6 on a short-answer question.

Study Strategies for Mastering Command Terms

To make command terms second nature, use the following strategies in your study routine:

Flashcards: create flashcards with the command term on one side and its definition + a subject-specific example on the back. Quiz yourself regularly.
Practice questions: use past exams and isolate the command terms. Ask yourself, "What is this question really asking me to do?" Then write a targeted response based on that command.
Group discussions: get together with classmates and take turns interpreting and answering questions based on different command terms. Explaining your reasoning out loud helps deepen your understanding.
Practice makes perfect: when doing any practice — even simple revision — get into the habit of saying: What is the command term here? What does that mean for how I answer? This builds exam-ready habits.

Bottom line? Mastering the VCE command terms won’t just help you study better — it will help you answer quicker, respond more accurately, and ultimately score higher in your exams.

Start now. Learn them. Practice them. And use them to unlock every mark you deserve. ✅

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