COMMAND WORDS

Literacy

Theme Differentiation……

1 – Questioning2 – SEND3 – Marking and Feedback4 – Highly Able5 – Literacy

MDT 5: Literacy

Problems

1. Muddling meaning of command words.2. Not reading question correctly.3. Not being able to write coherently to get a suitable answer.

An example of the problem ..

A level PE – email from studentHi Sir

I answered the question “Explain how blood is re-distributed to working muscles” 3 marks

My answer – The blood re-directs cardiac output with vascular shunting. This is because working muscles require oxygen. Less blood is sent in order for the muscles to receive the appropriate amount they need.

I got 0 marks according to the mark scheme and am just a little confused on this type of question …. Please help (sorry I know it’s half-term :0) )

Strategy 1: Meaning of command words

Each table has 18 stupidly small bits of flimsy paper to sort.

Clue: 6

Answers plus many more examples:

Strategy 2: Recognising suitable answers

Q: Water Lilies – Water lilies do NOT grow well in moving water. Suggest a reason for

this: A: They get drawn away from their roots.

Mark scheme: any one from * leaves or stems damaged by strong currents * roots could be pulled out accept ‘plants or seeds washed away’ accept ‘they cannot attach themselves to the water bed’ accept ‘leaves unable to float’

 Q: Water lilies do NOT grow well in moving water. Suggest a reason for this:

1) They get drawn away from their roots.2) The large, flat leaves float well on the

water.3) The currents can pull the roots out from the bottom of the pond. 4) The roots could be detached from the water-bed because the currents drag the flower away.

Strategy 3: Model thoughts

Mention ‘because’, give reasons with evidence for…

Range of attitudes with evidence…

What they think about an issue – for or against…

Define - Mercy killing, helping someone to die because they are suffering in pain

Sanctity of lifeDo not killLove thy neighbour

Suggests a range.. Imagine class discussion!

I must include evidence/quotes/teachings

Discussed all the views. What do I think about the statement and why?

StewardshipDominionJesus as healerGift of knowledgeNo souls?Love

Strategy 4: Building coherent responses

Think of a topic area from your teaching.1. Write one sentence using an adjective.2. Write a sentence beginning with, “This

is because”3. Starting “One example of this is ….”4. Using only 4 words.5. Start with “Bob’s performance was

particularly good because ….”

Look back at the sentences

Which of these could have been the command word in the question?

DescribeExplainListAnalyse

What now?

Use the time now to prepare a lesson or part of a lesson.

Save work in RM Staff/CLT/ Literacy/ Commands words.

Let us know WHEN you actually try it out with real people.