Understanding Command Words In Sociology: Describe, Explain, Give, And Evaluate (Copy)
Understanding Command Words In Sociology
Why Command Words Matter
- Command words tell you:
- Exactly what the examiner wants
- How deep your answer should be
- Same topic + different command word = completely different answer style
- Misinterpreting command words = instant mark loss
Overview Of Key Command Words
| Command Word | Meaning | Skill Level | Marks Usually |
|---|---|---|---|
| Describe | State features / characteristics | Basic (AO1) | 4 |
| Explain | Give reasons and develop | AO1 + AO2 | 8 / 10 |
| Give | Provide answer / list / brief point | AO1 | 4 / 6 |
| Evaluate | Analyse and judge | AO1 + AO2 + AO3 | 26 |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
1. Describe
Meaning
- State:
- Characteristics
- Features
- What something is like
- NO deep explanation required
What Examiner Wants
- Clear, separate points
- Each point:
- Identified
- Briefly described
Structure
- Point → Short description
- Point → Short description
Example
Question: Describe two ways increased life expectancy affects families
Answer Style
- Longer life expectancy leads to extended families, where multiple generations live together
- It increases the burden of care, as adults may need to support elderly relatives
Common Mistakes
- Writing explanation instead of description
- Giving only one point
- Writing long paragraphs
Key Rule
- Keep it:
- Short
- Clear
- Direct
2. Explain
Meaning
- Show:
- WHY something happens
- HOW something works
- Must go beyond description
What Examiner Wants
- Developed points
- Each must include:
- Reason
- Explanation
- Sociological support
Structure
- Point → Explanation → Sociological link
Example
Question: Explain two reasons for gender equality in families
Answer Style
- Women have gained economic independence, which increases their bargaining power in decision-making, as they contribute financially to the household
- Feminist movements have raised awareness of inequality, encouraging more equal division of labour within families
Common Mistakes
- Only describing (no “why”)
- Missing sociological material
- Giving one long answer instead of two balanced ones
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
3. Give
Meaning
- Provide:
- A direct answer
- A point or example
- Minimal explanation required
What Examiner Wants
- Straightforward answer
- Often:
- List-type response
- Short statements
Structure
- Point
- Point
Example
Question: Give two positive sanctions
Answer Style
- Praise from teachers
- Receiving a certificate
Common Mistakes
- Over-explaining
- Turning into “explain” answer
- Writing unnecessary paragraphs
Key Rule
- Say it and move on
4. Evaluate
Meaning
- Analyse:
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Make:
- Judgement
- Consider:
- Different perspectives
What Examiner Wants
- Balanced argument:
- For the view
- Against the view
- Clear:
- Evaluation throughout
- Final:
- Judgement
Structure
| Part | Content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Define + outline argument |
| Paragraphs | For and against points |
| Evaluation | Integrated into each paragraph |
| Conclusion | Final judgement |
Example
Question: Evaluate the view that the family promotes capitalist ideology
Answer Style
- Marxists argue family socialises individuals into accepting inequality
- However, functionalists argue family promotes social stability and benefits society as a whole
- Feminists highlight patriarchy rather than capitalism as the main issue
Common Mistakes
- Only describing (no evaluation)
- No opposing arguments
- Weak or missing conclusion
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Comparison Of Command Words
| Feature | Describe | Explain | Give | Evaluate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | Low | Medium | Very low | Very high |
| Focus | What | Why / How | What | Judgement |
| Structure | Short points | Developed points | List | Essay |
| Evaluation | None | None | None | Required |
How To Identify Command Words Quickly
- Look at the first word of the question
- Immediately decide:
- Depth required
- Structure needed
Advanced Strategy
Convert Command Word Into Action
| Command | Mental Trigger |
|---|---|
| Describe | “What is it like?” |
| Explain | “Why does it happen?” |
| Give | “Just state it” |
| Evaluate | “Argue both sides + judge” |
Most Dangerous Mistakes
- Writing:
- Explain answer for describe question
- Giving:
- Description in explain question
- Missing:
- Evaluation in essay
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Final Exam Rule
- Marks are awarded based on:
- Matching your answer to the command word
- Not:
- How much you write
- How much you know
Mastering command words = instant improvement in marks without learning new content.