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Item 18 of 426 · Exam format, question types and command words, 18 of 46

Explain

Command word

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Definition

Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident; provide why and/or how.

Example: 'Explain why server-side programming is needed.' Answer: use because, therefore, which means.

Found in: syllabus, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Command words.

Question types it can appear in

Past questions that use this command word

14 more on the full term page.

How to use it

How to answer a “Explain” question

NESA glossary of key words

Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident; provide why and/or how.

Pattern: 'Explain why server-side programming is needed.' Answer: use because, therefore, which means.

Go deeper

Check yourself

What does a question that says “Explain” ask you to do, and what does a full-mark answer look like? Say it before you reveal.

Reveal the answer

Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident; provide why and/or how.

Example: 'Explain why server-side programming is needed.' Answer: use because, therefore, which means.

Could be tested as: Short answer, Extended response.