D22: Command Words & Question Types
Understanding AQA 8236 exam questions: decoding command words, recognising question types and structuring answers to match what examiners ask
Command Words & Question Types
Understanding AQA 8236 exam questions: decoding command words, recognising question types and structuring answers to match what examiners ask
Key Fact: Command words tell you exactly what the examiner wants — misreading them loses marks
Key Fact: Describe means give a factual account of what you see, hear or know about the dance
Key Fact: Explain means give reasons — why something happens or why a choreographer made a choice
Key Fact: Analyse means break down and examine in detail, showing how parts create meaning or effect
Key Fact: Compare means identify similarities and differences between two or more things
Key Fact: Evaluate means make a judgement using evidence, weighing strengths and weaknesses
Key Fact: Short-answer questions (1–2 marks) require concise, precise responses without waffle
Key Fact: Extended questions (6–12 marks) require structured, developed answers with clear points and evidence
Key Fact: The AQA 8236 written paper uses a mix of short-response and extended-response questions
Key Fact: Always identify the command word before planning your answer — it determines your approach
Key Fact: Annotation questions require you to label a diagram or image with specific dance terminology
Key Fact: Practical-based questions ask you to reflect on your own choreographic or performance work
📋 Key Vocabulary and Concepts
For Command Words & Question Types, you must know:
- Command word: The instructional verb in an exam question (describe, explain, analyse, compare, evaluate) that tells you how to answer
- Describe: Give a detailed factual account of what is seen or known, without giving reasons or opinions
- Explain: Give reasons for something — state what happens and why, linking cause and effect
- Analyse: Break something into parts and examine how each contributes to the overall effect or meaning
- Evaluate: Make a supported judgement about the quality or effectiveness of something, using evidence
- Extended response: A longer exam answer worth 6 or more marks, requiring developed points with specific examples
❓ Practice Questions
Q: What is the difference between 'describe' and 'explain' in an AQA 8236 exam?
Q: How should you approach a 'compare' question?
Q: What does 'analyse' require you to do in a dance exam?
Q: How many points should you make for a 6-mark extended question?
Q: Why is identifying the command word the most important first step in answering an exam question?
✅ Answers
- 'Describe' requires a factual account of what you observe — what happens in the dance. 'Explain' requires you to give reasons — why it happens or why the choreographer made that choice. Explain includes cause and effect.
- Identify both similarities and differences between the two items. Use linking words such as 'similarly' and 'in contrast'. Ensure you address both sides equally and support each point with specific evidence.
- Break the dance or element into its component parts and examine how each part contributes to the overall effect. Show how movement, dynamics, space and relationships work together to create meaning.
- Aim for at least three developed points, each supported by specific evidence from the work. Quality of explanation matters more than quantity, but each point needs a clear statement, evidence and explanation.
- The command word determines the entire approach — describing when you should be analysing, or explaining when you should be evaluating, means your answer does not meet the question's requirements and will lose marks.
🎯 Exam Tips
- Circle or underline the command word before writing anything — it sets your answer direction
- For 'describe' questions, use specific dance terminology rather than vague descriptions
- For 'explain' questions, always include the word 'because' to ensure you give reasons
- In 'compare' questions, avoid writing about one thing then the other separately — link them
- For 'evaluate' questions, end with a clear judgement statement supported by your evidence
📝 Exam Technique
GCSE Dance Exam Tips — Command Words & Question Types:
1. For Command Words & Question Types questions, identify the relevant area of law and state the legal principles clearly
2. Apply legal rules to the facts of the scenario — don't just state the law
3. When evaluating, consider both the effectiveness and fairness of legal rules
4. Reference relevant cases and statutes when discussing Command Words & Question Types
5. Consider reform proposals and alternative approaches where relevant
1. For Command Words & Question Types questions, identify the relevant area of law and state the legal principles clearly
2. Apply legal rules to the facts of the scenario — don't just state the law
3. When evaluating, consider both the effectiveness and fairness of legal rules
4. Reference relevant cases and statutes when discussing Command Words & Question Types
5. Consider reform proposals and alternative approaches where relevant
⚠️ Common Errors
✗ Describing when the question asks you to explain. ✓ 'Explain' requires reasons — always include 'because' and show cause and effect, not just what happens.
✗ Writing about only one side in a compare question. ✓ 'Compare' requires both similarities and differences. Use linking words and address both items equally.
✗ Giving a personal opinion when asked to analyse. ✓ 'Analyse' requires objective examination of how parts create meaning — evidence-based, not opinion-based.
✗ Writing everything you know about a topic regardless of the command word. ✓ Match your answer to the command word. Each command word requires a specific type of response — irrelevant information gains no marks.
✍️ Model Answer
Full-Mark Response
Explain why it is important to identify the command word before answering an AQA 8236 exam question. [6 marks]
Identifying the command word is essential because it determines the type of response the examiner requires. Each command word has a specific meaning: 'describe' requires a factual account, 'explain' requires reasons and cause-and-effect, 'analyse' requires breaking down and examining parts, 'compare' requires similarities and differences, and 'evaluate' requires a supported judgement. If a student misreads the command word, their answer will not match the question's requirements even if the content is accurate. For example, describing a choreographer's use of motifs when asked to explain why they used them would lose marks because the answer lacks reasoning. Similarly, listing features of two works separately when asked to compare fails to make the required links. The command word acts as a guide for structuring the answer: it tells you whether to focus on what, why, how, or so what. By identifying it first, you ensure every point you make serves the correct purpose, maximising your marks and avoiding wasted effort on irrelevant content.
📊 AO Deep Dive
Assessment Objective Analysis
AO1 (Performance): Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of command words & question types, including choreographic processes, performing skills and dance appreciation relevant to AQA 8236.
AO2 (Choreography): Apply knowledge and understanding of command words & question types through the creative process of choreography, selecting and using movement material and choreographic devices.
AO3 (Appreciation): Analyse, evaluate and critique aspects of command words & question types, including professional works, performance quality and choreographic intention, constructing supported arguments.
📝 Exam Questions by Topic
🎬 Video Resources
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