How to Decode Essay Command Words and Build Your Action Plan

Most essay questions come with built-in instructions, but they're hidden in plain sight. Those command words at the start of every question aren't just decoration—they're your roadmap. Learn to spot them, translate them, and turn them into a simple to-do list, and you'll never stare at a blank page wondering where to start.

Spot the Command Words

Your first job is to hunt down the verbs that tell you what to do. These are words like 'analyse', 'compare', 'evaluate', or 'discuss'. They're easy to miss when you're scanning the question, but they hold all the power.

Grab a highlighter and circle every command word you find. If the question says 'Analyse the impact of X and evaluate Y', you've just found two separate instructions. Treat each one as a distinct task your essay must complete.

Translate Words Into Actions

Command words are like different job descriptions. 'Analyse' means break something into parts and explain how they work. 'Compare' means spot similarities and differences. 'Evaluate' means judge strengths and weaknesses. 'Discuss' means explore different viewpoints.

Once you've circled your command words, rewrite each one as a simple action. For example:

• 'Analyse' becomes 'Break this theory into parts'
• 'Compare' becomes 'Show how A and B are alike and different'
• 'Evaluate' becomes 'Judge the strengths and limits'
• 'Explain' becomes 'Show how X links to Y'

This translation step turns vague instructions into clear tasks you can actually do.

Build Your Action Plan

Now you've got a list of actions, it's time to organise them into a plan. Write a numbered checklist with one action per line. If your question has two command words, decide which one comes first and structure your essay around that order.

For instance, if the question asks you to 'analyse and evaluate', your checklist might look like this:

• Break down the main theory into key components
• Explain how each component works
• Weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of the theory

Each item on this list becomes a section in your essay. You've just built yourself a framework that keeps you on track and prevents you from wandering off topic.

Execute with Confidence

With your action plan in front of you, writing becomes straightforward. You know exactly what each paragraph needs to achieve. No more second-guessing whether you're answering the question properly—you've already mapped out the route.

Work through your checklist one item at a time. When you finish one action, tick it off and move to the next. This approach cuts out fluff, keeps your argument tight, and makes it easy for your reader to follow your thinking from start to finish.

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