On this page, we'll explore three types of instruction words that you may come across in your assessments. Learning about these instruction words will help you complete your assessments with confidence.
We'll focus on instruction words that:
explain activities
indicate that you need to provide information or ideas
tell you that you need to review or reflect.
Activity instructions
In some assessments, you will be asked to complete activities. These activities are often signalled by words such as:
label
match
fill in
complete
For example:
Label the diagram with the correct chair parts.
A satisfactory response to this prompt would be to simply place the correct names of chair parts into the correct points of the diagram. No explanation or other information is needed.
Let's explore some more examples:
Match
Matching will usually mean that there are two or more sets of information that need to be connected. No further information or explanation is needed.
For example:
Match the engine parts with their functions:
Engine part
Camshaft
Spark plug
Piston
Crankshaft
Radiator
Function
Converts fuel into mechanical energy through an up-and-down motion
Transfers linear motion into rotational motion
Opens and closes valves in sync with the pistons
Ignites the air/fuel mixture to power the engine
Cools the engine by dissipating heat
Complete and fill in
These words could appear in activities where there is an incomplete table where you need to add information and also in activities where you need to complete a sentence with one or more words. Make sure that your spelling is correct.
The (enter missing word here) is a financial statement that provides a summary of a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time.
To ensure accuracy, each transaction must be recorded in the (enter missing word here), which serves as the company's official book of accounts.
Provide information and ideas
Watch this video to learn about instruction words that indicate you need to provide information, ideas and examples.
Instruction words like ‘come up with,’ ‘provide,’ and ‘suggest’ ask you to deliver more than a simple answer. Your teacher will expect further information, examples and ideas.
Here's an example assignment prompt: “Fandangle Fashion has faced a year of falling sales. The director asks your group to find a solution to improve customer engagement and boost sales. Come up with one solution to this issue."
How can you respond effectively?
This prompt has no single correct answer, however a simple response like "Increase advertising" isn't enough.
If you suggest a solution and explain how and why it will solve the problem, you are more likely to get a satisfactory mark.
For example, you might answer:
“A solution for this issue is to invest in market research to help the company to identify their target audience and create a campaign that speaks directly to that audience. Targeted advertising can then increase product visibility, enhance brand recognition and drive customer interest, ultimately contributing to increased sales."
This answer is more suitable because it clearly states the solution, explains how it would be done, and why it would be effective.
This way, you’re more likely to convince the Director of Fandangle Fashion and impress your teacher.
Test yourself
Now, let's test what you've learnt with a short quiz.
Review and reflect
This group of instruction words indicates that you need to consult other sources of information for your answer.
refer (to)
examine
reflect
research
investigate
consider
read
They will usually be accompanied by a second instruction word that tells you what you need to do once you have referred to the other piece of information.
Here are some examples.
Screen reader users, this text uses visual highlights to indicate different parts of speech. Each highlight is explained for your convenience.
1 review/reflect instruction word
2 Second instruction word
Refer1Screen reader users, this is a review/reflect instruction word. to the course readings for this week and summarise2Screen reader users, this is second instruction word. the main points.
Examine1Screen reader users, this is review/reflect instruction word. the case study and respond2Screen reader users, this is second instruction word. to questions 1-5.
Reflect1Screen reader users, this is a review/reflect instruction word. on your previous study experiences and list2Screen reader users, this is second instruction word. the qualities that make a 'good' teacher.
Research1Screen reader users, this is a review/reflect instruction word. the concept of product placement and describe2Screen reader users, this is second instruction word. it in your own words.
Investigate1Screen reader users, this is a review/reflect instruction word. the possible causes of residential electrical faults and identify2Screen reader users, this is second instruction word. three of the most common.
Read1Screen reader users, this is a review/reflect instruction word. three newspaper articles that relate to your topic and write2Screen reader users, this is second instruction word. about them in your study journal.
Consider1Screen reader users, this is a review/reflect instruction word. a problem that you have had to overcome recently. Explain2Screen reader users, this is second instruction word. how you tackled the problem and what you have learnt from the process.
