VCE Knowledge / Command Terms

Command Terms

Command Terms

Most of these definitions are provided by VCAA to help better understand the requirements of these command terms. These are terms that are present throughout the study design and may appear in end of year exams. You should be familiar with these terms and understand what is required for each of them.

Terms earlier in the list traditionally appear more frequently in Systems exams.

Systems Specific Command Terms

Command Term Description
critique** Awaiting specific definition from VCAA
diagnose** Awaiting specific definition from VCAA
justify Show, prove or defend, with reasoning and evidence, an argument, decision and/or point of view using given data and/or other information.
calcuate 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.
analyse Identify components/elements and the significance of the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications; determine logic and reasonableness of information.
assess Make a judgment about, or measure, determine or estimate, the value, quality, outcomes, results, size, significance, nature or extent of something.
compare Recognise similarities and differences and the significance of these similarities and differences.
conceptualise*
create*
design*
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.
formulate*
generate*
hypothesise*
invent*
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.
propose*
recommend Put forward and/or approve (someone or something) as being suitable for a particular purpose or role.
synthesise Combine various elements to make a whole or an overall point.

* These do not appear in VCAA's Glossary of Command Terms, but are verbs throughout the study design.

** These command terms are specific to Systems Engineering.

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