Command word

What is the question asking you to do?

Helpful words to use in your answer

Sentence starter

Connectives

Describe

Write about what you see in front of you. You do not need to say why. With maps use distance, direction & place names etc. With graphs use figures & trends

Firstly

Secondly

Also

Finally

Explain

Give reasons for something happening.

Firstly

Secondly

Also

Finally

Therefore

As a result

Consequently

This means that

Compare

Say what is the same and different between two pieces of information.

Firstly

Secondly

Also

Finally

Whereas

Alternatively

On the other hand

Similarly

Suggest

Similar to explain, but tells you that you should add your own ideas.

Firstly

Secondly

Also

Finally

Therefore

As a result

Consequently

This means that

Justify

Give reasons for a decision you have made. Say why you chose one option, but rejected others

Firstly

Secondly

Also

Furthermore

Finally

Therefore

As a result

Consequently

Whereas

However