Homeschool Guide: These lesson plans are a guide for parents. Content may contain errors — always cross-reference with official exam board specifications.

command words & question types

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4 detailed 50-minute lessons with teaching scripts, worked examples, parent guides, and assessment criteria.

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Lesson Overview

Total Lessons: 4
Tier: Foundation and Higher
Duration: 50 minutes per lesson (200 minutes total)
Exam Boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, CCEA

Learning Objectives

Prerequisites

Materials & Equipment

Lesson 1: Introduction: command words & question types

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Quick Recall

Write down everything you already know about command words & question types. Then check against the key terms: key terms from command words & question types. Use a mini-whiteboard or paper.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Parent/Teacher Guide:
Before lesson: Read the script below. Pre-teach key vocab: key terms from command words & question types.
If stuck: Re-read the revision notes (link above), then break the content into smaller steps.
Extension: See the Stretch & Challenge ideas in Lesson 4.
Teaching Script (35 mins):
Mins 0-5 - Hook: "Today: command words & question types. By the end you will be able to answer exam questions on it unaided. It connects to the rest of Ancient History because the ideas here recur across the spec."
Mins 5-20 - Direct Instruction: Work through the core ideas below one at a time; after each, ask your student to explain it back in their own words.
Mins 20-30 - Guided Practice: Model the worked example together, then let your student attempt the first practice question with guidance.
Mins 30-35 - Independent Practice: 2-3 practice questions from Lesson 3 below, with immediate feedback.
First Look

Start with the revision notes summary, then attempt: explain the key ideas of command words & question types

Plenary (5 minutes)

Check Out

Your student states one thing they learned and one question they still have about command words & question types.

Lesson 2: Core Concepts: command words & question types

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Review Previous Lesson

Quick recap: write 3 key points from Lesson 1 on command words & question types. Check them against the notes below.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Key Fact: OCR J198 uses specific command words that determine the depth and type of response required
Key Fact: 'Describe' means give an account of what happened — focus on factual detail and chronological order
Key Fact: 'Explain' requires giving reasons or causes — show how and why something happened
Key Fact: 'Explain the significance/importance' demands you show both what happened and why it mattered
Key Fact: 'How far' or 'To what extent' questions require a balanced argument with a judgement
Key Fact: 'Assess the validity' of a statement means evaluate how true it is using evidence

Practice (10 minutes)

Q: explain the key ideas of command words & question types

Answer:

Plenary (5 minutes)

Explain Back

Your student teaches the key points back to you without looking. Fill any gaps immediately.

Lesson 3: Application: command words & question types

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Quick Recall

Recall the key terms: key terms from command words & question types. Define each in one sentence.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Parent/Teacher Guide: Let your student attempt each question alone first, then compare with the model answer. Award method marks for correct working even if the final answer is wrong.

Work through the practice questions on the revision notes page for this topic.

Plenary (5 minutes)

Error Review

Review any questions answered incorrectly. Identify whether the error was knowledge, method, or reading the question.

Lesson 4: Exam Practice: command words & question types

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Command Words

Review what these command words require: state (one point), describe (say what happens), explain (say why), compare (both sides), evaluate (judgement).

Main Content (35 minutes)

Extended Answer

Extended question: Full-Mark Response Explain why understanding command words is essential for success in OCR J198 Ancient History (8 marks) <div class="

Understanding command words is essential because they determine the type of response the examiner expects. For example, 'describe' requires factual detail about what happened, while 'explain' demands reasons and causes. Misreading a command word can lead to a low mark even if the historical knowledge is strong — describing when asked to explain, or giving a one-sided answer to a 'how far' question, are common errors. Furthermore, OCR J198 has two papers with different emphases: the Period Study focuses on narrative and causation, while the Depth Study requires source analysis. Each paper uses command words that reflect these different skills, so understanding them ensures the candidate applies the correct approach. Ultimately, command words are the key to unlocking what the question demands, making them the most important first step in any exam answer.

Exam Tips: Always circle or underline the command word before you start writing — it determines your entire approach | For 'how far' questions, plan both sides before writing so your argument is balanced | Short-answer questions: one point per mark is a good rule of thumb | Extended answers need 3-4 developed paragraphs plus a conclusion | Don't just describe when the question asks you to explain — always link back to reasons and significance
Common Errors: ✗ Describing events when the question says 'explain why' ✓ Focus on causes and reasons, not just what happened — use 'because', 'due to', 'as a result of' ✗ Giving a one-sided answer to a 'how far' question ✓ Always present both sides of the argument before making your judgement ✗ Writing everything you know about a topic regardless of the command word ✓ Tailor your answer to the specific command word — description, explanation and evaluation require different approaches ✗ Ignoring the command word and writing a generic answer ✓ The command word is your instruction — it tells you exactly what the examiner wants to see
Stretch & Challenge (Grade 8-9):
  • Synoptic links: explain how command words &amp; question types connects to another Ancient History topic you have studied
  • Real-world: research one real-world use or example of command words &amp; question types
  • Critical: "What are the limitations of the models used in command words &amp; question types?"

Plenary (5 minutes)

Assessment Criteria
  • Got it: Confident explanation + correct worked examples
  • Getting there: Main points OK, needs support with detail
  • Not yet: Confused on key concepts - re-run Lesson 2

Homework & Consolidation

Recommended Resources

🎓 Smart Lesson (Guided)