Unlocking AQA Psychology Exam Command Words

Unlocking AQA Psychology Exam Command Words

Learning Objective

Understand the command words used in AQA Psychology exams and their implications for exam questions.

What do you already know about command words in AQA Psychology exams?

What are Command Words?

Command words are the words in exam questions that tell you what to do, such as 'describe,' 'explain,' 'compare,' and 'evaluate.'

Understanding 'Describe'

When a question asks you to 'describe,' it means you should provide a detailed account of the topic, without giving reasons or explanations.

Deciphering 'Explain'

When a question asks you to 'explain,' you need to give reasons for the topic, linking cause and effect, and provide a clear rationale.

Mastering 'Compare'

A 'compare' question requires you to identify similarities and differences between two or more items or theories, and possibly make a judgment.

Unraveling 'Evaluate'

When a question asks you to 'evaluate,' you need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a theory or concept, and provide a supported judgment.

Practice Questions

Engage in practice questions to identify the command words and determine the appropriate response for each one.

Creating the Display Board

Compile examples of exam questions with different command words and display them on the board for reference.

Review and Reflection

Reflect on the importance of understanding command words for successfully answering exam questions in AQA Psychology.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.