Student Guide
AIOU Assignment Command Words Explained: Define, Discuss, Analyze and Evaluate
Confused by words such as define, discuss, analyze or evaluate in an AIOU assignment? Learn what each command word requires with simple examples and answer-planning tips.
By Sindh Education Stuff Editorial Team · · · · 4 min read
Have you ever understood an assignment topic but still felt unsure about what the question actually wanted? The problem is often not the topic—it is the command word.
Words such as define, explain, discuss, analyze and evaluate tell you how to answer a question.
AIOU publishes assignment question papers and writing instructions for different programmes and semesters. Students should check the current question paper and course instructions.
Important: This guide helps students understand and plan assignment answers. It does not provide ready-to-submit work.
What Is a Command Word?
A command word is the main verb in an assignment question. It tells you what kind of response is expected.
Define: Give a clear meaning.
Describe: Present the main features.
Explain: Show how or why something happens.
Discuss: Examine a topic in detail.
Analyze: Break a topic into parts and examine relationships.
Evaluate: Judge value or effectiveness using reasons and evidence.
Academic writing guidance also recommends identifying the topic words, direction words and limiting words before writing.
How to Break Down a Question
Consider this question:
Discuss the role of classroom management in improving student learning at primary level.
It contains:
Command word: Discuss
Main topic: Classroom management and student learning
Limiting words: At primary level
The answer should examine classroom management in detail and remain focused on primary classrooms.
1. Define
Define means to give the precise meaning of a term or concept.
Example
Define formative assessment.
Begin with a direct definition. You may then mention key features, such as regular feedback and checking student understanding during learning.
Common Mistake
Do not write pages of background information when the question only asks for a definition.
2. Describe
Describe means to present the main features, qualities or stages of something.
Example
Describe the qualities of an effective teacher.
A clear answer may explain subject knowledge, communication, fairness and classroom management.
Common Mistake
Do not only list qualities. Briefly explain why each one matters.
3. Explain
Explain means to make an idea clear by showing how or why it happens.
Example
Explain how motivation affects student learning.
Connect motivation with attention, participation, confidence and persistence.
Useful phrases include:
This happens because…
As a result…
For example…
Therefore…
Common Mistake
Do not repeat that motivation is important without explaining the process.
4. Discuss
Discuss means to examine a topic in detail using relevant viewpoints, examples and reasons.
Example
Discuss the importance of parental involvement in children’s education.
A suitable structure may include:
Meaning of parental involvement
Support for homework
Communication with teachers
Influence on attendance and motivation
Challenges faced by parents
Practical ways to improve involvement
Conclusion
Common Mistake
Do not present only advantages. Include challenges or limitations where relevant.
5. Analyze
Analyze means to divide a topic into important parts and examine how those parts are connected.
Example
Analyze the causes of low student participation in classroom activities.
Possible factors include fear of mistakes, language difficulties, large class size, teacher-centred instruction and negative peer reactions.
A strong answer explains how these factors interact. A learner with weak language confidence, for example, may participate even less when classmates react negatively to mistakes.
Common Mistake
Do not confuse analysis with description. Analysis should show relationships, causes, effects or patterns.
6. Compare and Contrast
Compare means to identify similarities, while contrast means to identify differences.
Example
Compare and contrast formative and summative assessment.
Use the same comparison points, such as purpose, timing, feedback and use of results. Formative assessment supports learning during instruction, while summative assessment measures achievement after a unit or course.
Common Mistake
Do not write two separate descriptions without making direct comparisons.
7. Evaluate
Evaluate means to judge the quality, usefulness or effectiveness of something using clear criteria.
Example
Evaluate group work as a teaching strategy.
A balanced answer may consider participation, peer learning, communication, classroom-management challenges and unequal contribution.
Conclude with a reasoned judgment based on the evidence.
Common Mistake
Do not discuss only benefits. Evaluation requires strengths, limitations and a supported conclusion.
8. Justify
Justify means to give convincing reasons for a choice, opinion or recommendation.
Example
Justify the use of activity-based learning at primary level.
Support your position with learner needs, classroom examples, educational benefits and practical conditions.
A Simple Answer-Planning Method
Before writing:
Circle the command word.
Underline the main topic.
Identify limiting words.
Create headings that answer every part.
Select examples or references for each heading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring the command word
Writing everything you know about the topic
Giving definitions when analysis is required
Listing points without explanation
Using unrelated examples
Repeating the same idea
Ignoring part of a multi-part question
Copying course-book wording without credit
Final Checklist
Before submission, ask:
Have I answered the exact question?
Have I followed the command word?
Are my headings relevant?
Have I explained rather than only listed?
Have I used suitable examples?
Does my conclusion answer the question?
Have I credited the sources used?
Does the work reflect my own understanding?
Conclusion
Understanding command words makes assignment writing easier. Before writing, identify whether the question asks you to define, describe, explain, discuss, analyze, compare, justify or evaluate.
A focused answer is not the one with the most words. It is the one that performs the required task, stays relevant and presents ideas clearly. Breaking down the question and planning suitable headings leads to clearer, more meaningful work.